PHANTASY FOOTBALL: Arda Cup 2013

[the phantom]

The Phantasy Team Competition is fast approaching!!

Tell your friends, tell your enemies, and tell those people you don't really talk to! :)

Last season that yearly powerhouse Gwath looked like he would take home his third title, but the ever-solid Nog came through at the very end and earned his first. Will he repeat? Or will Gwath reclaim the throne?

Perhaps another past champion, Skip, or Boro, will make their own argument for being the greatest of all time. Or maybe some perpetual threat, like Nilp or Nerwen, will finally break through.

Or perhaps this is the year everything comes together for Sally or Shasta, or perhaps a newer face like Legate will show everyone that experience isn't all that counts...

We shall see....

******************
******************

Before I list the rules for this year's competition, we need to take care of some business, and we need your help.

We need to vote on the roster for Tol In Gaurhoth!! :cool:

Per tradition (and as a reward for lots of game-writing and organization), Boro, Nilp, and I are on the team, as is Inzil thanks to his hard-luck prize last year. :D

Drauglin and Thuringwethil will be playing with Tol In Gaurhoth this year as well- so that means there are four Wight slots to fill, and one Wolf slot to fill (the goalkeeper). There are also two Wight slots on the Barrow-Downs team, but for the moment those are reserved for new players. (If you've never played Arda Cup before and you sign up, you're on the Barrow-Downs team. In the absence of two completely new players, two players that didn't play last year will gain the slots.)

So long story short, we need to elect five people to play.

As of now everyone is allowed five total votes for either nominating or seconding (you can't vote for the same person twice of course). Anyone that receives four votes is in immediately, and if not enough Downers have received the necessary number of votes by the middle of next week I will simply take the highest vote getters.

Don't worry about nominating Wights & Wolves separately- that will sort itself out later.

The team currently stands-

Tol In Gaurhoth
GK- (TBAwolf)
DF- Drauglin
DF- (TBAwight)
DF- BoroWolf
DF- NilpWolf
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- PhantomWolf
FW- Thuringwethil
FW- InzilWolf

[the phantom]

I will go ahead and nominate Nerwen and Shasta for the TIG team.

[Inziladun]

Seconded Nerwen and Shasta.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Nerwen and Shasta thirded.

EDIT: Also, Galadriel55 has to be there. Lovely EAisticle article.

[the phantom]

Second Galadriel.

[Nerwen]

Second Shasta and third Galadriel55.

[Galadriel55]

Second Nerwen. I believe that puts both her and Shasta on the team. Also, nominate Legate and hope he shows up. :)

EDIT: Also, Galadriel55 has to be there. Lovely EAisticle article.

Why thank you, kind sir. Next time I'll know how to bribe you. :D:Merisu:

PS: isn't it Draugluin?

[satansaloser2005]

Finalizing Gal. And yes, I fully plan to perform this year. All I need is a chance to sprinkle- I mean sparkle- I mean shine.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

One must never forgo the opportunity to push Sally closer to the noose.

Erm, I mean . . .

++Sallykins

[the phantom]

Nominated
Legate
Sally

Elected to the team
Shasta
Nerwen
Galadriel55

Since he's played the position previously, and because he was first elected, Shasta will go in the goalkeeper Werewolf slot (unless he requests otherwise). Since Nerwen was next and has a history playing on offense, she can fill the first midfielder slot if that is her wish. Gal55 played defense for us last year, so I'll slot her in there unless she asks to be moved to midfield.

Tol In Gaurhoth
GK- ShastaWolf
DF- Draugluin
DF- GaladriWight
DF- BoroWolf
DF- NilpWolf
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- NerWight
MF- PhantomWolf
FW- Thuringwethil
FW- InzilWolf

[Shastanis Althreduin]

*howls*

I'll do better this year, promise. ;)

Also, I'm going to second Sally and nominate Skip (unless another team snapped him up and I missed it.)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I'd be for nominating Nog.

[Galadriel55]

Second Nog!

[Boromir88]

I'd be for nominating Nog.

Second Nog!

Nog is already on a team. As a prize for winning the phantasy tournament last year, several competing clubs offered Nogwolf a contract and he made his choice to play for someone other than TiG.

[Boromir88]

Oh forgot:

++Nominate Gwath

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Second Gwath.

And, as Boro said, Nog pulled a Götze and has moved on to 'greener pastures.'

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Nog is already on a team. As a prize for winning the phantasy tournament last year, several competing clubs offered Nogwolf a contract and he made his choice to play for someone other than TiG.

Well that makes sense. It was only what surprised me since phantom didn't mention him, and I was wondering why he wasn't there.

[Nerwen]

Second Sally and Legate.

[Gwathagor]

Here we are again!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Here we are again!

He's here!!! Head for the hills!!!!!

[the phantom]

I will also second Legate, putting us at-

Nominated
Legate (3)
Sally (3)
Skip
Gwath (2)

Elected to the team
Shasta
Nerwen
Galadriel55

Tol In Gaurhoth
GK- ShastaWolf
DF- Draugluin
DF- GaladriWight
DF- BoroWolf
DF- NilpWolf
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- NerWight
MF- PhantomWolf
FW- Thuringwethil
FW- InzilWolf

If you know of any fresh face that wishes to join this year, or a returner from a previous year, remind them to announce it ASAP so they can claim a spot on the Barrow-Downs team.

[wilwarin538]

If you know of any fresh face that wishes to join this year, or a returner from a previous year, remind them to announce it ASAP so they can claim a spot on the Barrow-Downs team.


*raises hand*

[Galadriel55]

++Wilwa. :D

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

So it seems we are getting new faces after all. Nice! :)

Seconding Wilwa :)

[Boromir88]

++nominate Kuru


Stay tuned for TTN's Angband and Angfauglith stories :)

[Nogrod]

I'm slowly emerging back to life... to death that is.

Great to see Wilwa joining the game and the team!

That seems to mean that we can only get one from the top of the list; Legate (3), Sally (3) and Gwath (2), into the team.

I'm going to use one of my votes to tie it up with the argument that it would be bad to leave a multiple winner of the phantasy-tournament without a spot in the team.

Seconding: ++ Gwath

That said I withold my other votes as yet if someone else wants to make the difference here. If all the others have used their votes already (which I doubt), I'll use some more votes - well at least one - tomorrow...

[Nogrod]

Wait a minute... aren't there also two slots to fill in the 'Downer -team?

So. I have used one vote thus far.

I'm ready to use one more to vote for Gwath. As the "serial-winner" of the Arda Phantasy Game he kind of belongs to the Barrow-Downs team on my view.

But if I then vote for Sally & Legate for the 'Downer team, will that be settled then? Or do you tp have other ideas on how to fill those slots?

Or is anyone discussed above especially interested in a certain team to play for? I mean if Gwath would rather play in the 'Downer team and Sally couldn't think of herself in it, I could also vote otherwise.

Or someone else might take the initiative.

[the phantom]

Okay- here's how things stand I believe...

Nominated
Legate (3)
Sally (3)
Skip
Gwath (3)
Wilwa (2)
Kuru

Elected to the team
Shasta
Nerwen
Galadriel55

Barring two brand new faces, Wilwa automatically gets a slot on the Barrow-Downs team as a returning player.

That leaves Legate, Sally, and Gwath all up for two spots on the TIG squad. The first two to receive another vote get the slots, while the third person will be slotted on the Barrow-Downs team, only to be bumped out if a brand new player shows up.

I think that's fair, yes?

Tol In Gaurhoth
GK- ShastaWolf
DF- Draugluin
DF- GaladriWight
DF- BoroWolf
DF- NilpWolf
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- (TBAwight)
MF- NerWight
MF- PhantomWolf
FW- Thuringwethil
FW- InzilWolf

The Barrow-Downs
GK Alien
DF Lumpkin
DF (tbaWight)
DF River Woman
DF Barrow-Wight
MF WilWight
MF Lalwende MP
MF Goldberry
MF Hookbill
FW Saucepan Man
FW Bombadil

As soon as the slots are finalized we'll post complete rosters and groupings for everyone, and then we'll play two rounds of friendlies while everyone has time to look at the teams and rules and decide on your squad.

[Gwathagor]

++Legate.

[Inziladun]

++Legate
++Sally

[Nogrod]

So unless new people come in Sally & Legate are on the T-I-G -team this year.

And with...

++ Gwath

we will have Gwathagor in the BD-team.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Oh, bother. I haven't made the logo yet. (It's kinda special cos in case many of you haven't noticed, we're five years old already!!!)

[the phantom]

Okay- that settles matters. Competition rules & full rosters & groupings will be posted in the next day or so. :)

[the phantom]

Rosters and groups are posted on the other thread so you can start looking at them any time. Tonight or tomorrow the competition rules will go up on this thread. :cool:

[Nogrod]

The teams are in, the groups are in... so go and look for them in the game thread!

The exact rules are coming forwards any day now, but you can already start looking where you should pick your team from.

And just that everyone is on the same page, I'm also asking for tp to confirm the structure of the tournament.

So after the group phase where all the teams in one group meet each other once, the winner of group A meets the second team from group H (and the winner of group H meets the second of group A), then the winner of group B meets the second team from group G etc.?

[Nogrod]

Oh, bother. I haven't made the logo yet. (It's kinda special cos in case many of you haven't noticed, we're five years old already!!!)
Oh, we need a logo!

Maybe for all the teams? ;)

Is there anyone interested in making team logos or designing kits for the teams?

[Nogrod]

Is there anyone interested in making team logos or designing kits for the teams?Well... to be honest, no one can do that alone. But if people had ideas and willingness to take on such a project we could do it together?

[the phantom]

Yes, quite right- confirming format.

The four teams in groups play one another (so three games). Three points for a win, one for a draw. After each has played its three matches, the two teams with the most points go to the playoffs. (Goal differential & goals scored are used as tie-breakers.)

The group winners host the first round of the playoffs, and are visited by group runner-ups. Group A winner plays Group H runner-up, Group B winner plays Group G runner up, Group C winner plays Group F runner up, and so on...

After posting the competition rules I will post the round 1 match-ups so you can start thinking about your selections as soon as possible. You'll have two rounds of friendlies to decide your teams and such.

[Boromir88]

I'm surprised morm and/or Eomer haven't made an appearance yet? It wouldn't be a proper phantasy tournament without them.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Oh, we need a logo!

Maybe for all the teams? ;)

Is there anyone interested in making team logos or designing kits for the teams?I'm making the 2013 Arda Cup logo. Also, I have ideas for colours of some teams (viz. the ones I did a diagram on at least once.) But making logos for each would be beyond me.

[the phantom]

Selecting Your Team

Select your team members from the rosters available here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=683836&postcount=23). You will be awarded points according to how your players fare in their tournament games.

You must have one GK (goal keeper) and then you can use one of the following formations found below. (Formations listed as number of defenders, midfielders, and forwards, or DF-MF-FW)

5-4-1
4-5-1
3-6-1
4-4-2
4-3-3

In other words, if you choose 4-4-2, then you want to place 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 fowards on your team along with the goalie of your choice.

You may not choose more than 3 players from one single team (it will be allowed late in the playoffs).

Place a bolded "C" after one of your players-> C. This player will be your captain and will earn (or lose) you double points.

Some players have stars (*) before their names on the roster. You are allowed a total of FOUR stars on your roster. This number will increase as the tournament advances.

Players with a star are considered to be solid players with a higher likelihood of scoring than other players at that position. Players with 2 stars are the cream of the crop, and are the most likely to gain points at the position. The team an individual plays on, that team's philosophy, the player's name recognition, and past performance can all contribute somewhat to star status. There is no guarantee that star players will score more- it's just more likely.

If MFs or DFs are listed lower down the roster (towards the FWs), then they are generally more likely to find themselves involved in the scoring than those MFs or DFs listed higher up towards the GK. Of course, there is no guarantee MFs & DFs listed closer to FWs will score more, but their chances are typically better.

Note on trades- After the first two rounds of group play, you can draft a completely new team. Unlimited trades. After the third and final round of group play, you are allowed SEVEN trades. After the first playoff round, you are allowed only THREE trades. After the quarterfinals and semifinals you are allowed only TWO trades. Do not under any circumstances edit your old teams once play has started. If you want to trade a player, make a new post stating the trade and list your new team. (If any of that is unclear, watch the way other players do it and you'll get the idea very quickly.)

Scoring Points In Games

Rules for gaining points are as follows.

Goal by FW- 4 pts
Goal by MF- 5 pts
Goal by DF- 6 pts
Assist- 3 pts
Shutout, GK- 4 pts
Shutout, DF- 4 pts
Shutout, MF- 1 pt
Allows 1 goal, GK- 2 pts
Allows 1 goal, DF- 2 pts
3 GK saves- 2 pts
Yellow Card- -1 pts
Red Card- -3 pts

Scoring Points With Predictions

Take a blind shot in the dark at these questions, or read the various columns offered by our writers to help you decide how to answer. Either way, luck is involved. But don't skip this- if you happen to have a lucky day, these are worth a ton of points all together. (Just ask Nilp.)

5 POINT QUESTIONS

Who will score the most goals in the tournament?

Who will have the most assists in the tournament?

Which team will win the tournament?

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?

GROUP PREDICTIONS

Predict the winner and runner up from each of the eight groups listed here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=683838&postcount=24). Predicting the winner is worth 3 points. The runner up is worth 1. If you select the correct two teams but have their positions reversed, you will be awarded 2 points.

BUY A TEAM

You can have a total salary of 100 million. The rosters with salaries again is listed here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=683836&postcount=23). Put together the highest scoring team you possibly can for 100 million or less. This team will not change throughout the tournament- it's just a one-time deal. At the finish of the tournament we'll see which person's 100-mill squad scored the most, and that person will gain 10 bonus points. Formations allowed are all those listed above, plus 3-4-3.
Please use no more than TWO players from one team.

[the phantom]

So that you know who your chosen players are going up against, the first round of group games are-

Armenelos vs The Havens
The Barrow-Downs vs Valimar

Inter Beleriand vs Dwarves United
AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Hithlum vs Real Valinor
Shire-Bree United vs Doriath

Isengard vs FC Valinor
Barad-Dur vs Gondor

Eriador vs Misty Mts
Erebor vs Wilderland

Nargothrond vs Minas Tirith
Tirion vs The Sea

Angfauglith vs Imladris
Angband vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

Mordor vs Rohan
Anduin vs Arnor

[Inziladun]

GK- *Ungoliant (Angband)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Luthien (Inter Beleriand)
MF *Elwe (Doriath) (C)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF Nazgul #5 (Isengard)
FW *Gothmog (Angfauglith)
FW Legolas (Dwarves United)
FW Elladan (Imladris)

[Inziladun]

Who will score the most goals in the tournament? -Elwe

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? -Glaurung

Which team will win the tournament? -Doriath

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? -Ungoliant

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? -Ulmo

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? -Yavanna

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? -Turin



Group A: Winner- The Havens
Runner Up- Valimar

Group B: Winner- Inter Beleriand
Runner Up- Gondolin

Group C: Winner- Doriath
Runner Up- Real Valinor

Group D: Winner- Barad-Dur
Runner Up- Gondor

Group E: Winner- Wilderland
Runner Up- Eriador

Group F: Winner- Tirion
Runner Up- The Sea

Group G: Winner- Angband
Runner Up- TIG

Group H: Winner- Mordor
Runner Up- Arnor

[mormegil]

I'm surprised morm and/or Eomer haven't made an appearance yet? It wouldn't be a proper phantasy tournament without them.

Yes, not having me here would mean one less whipping boy for all..I'm in!

[Inziladun]

GK- *Carcaroth (Angband) 9
DF- *Melian (Doriath) 14
DF- Landroval (Erebor) 8
DF- Treebeard (Isengard) 10
MF- NerWight (TIG) 5
MF- Dain (Erebor) 5
MF- Azog (Misty Mtns) 8
MF- *Elwe (Doriath) 13
FW- Tuor (Gondolin) 10
FW- Shelob (Mordor) 10
FW- Helm (Rohan) 8

Total= 100

[mormegil]

4-4-2

GK Galadriel (Dwarves United)
DF Nienna (Real Valinor)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Arwen (Eriador)
DF Alatar (Barad-Dur)
MF *Elwe (Doriath)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) (C)
MF Cirdan (The Havens)
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
FW *Arien (Valinor)
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Ze 2013 Arda Cup logo has been unleashed!

Also, Boro and phantom, if you feel you've been misrepresented by the article, you can take it up with TENT's legal department. You do have to submit a complaint form personally, though--their office is somewhere in Ekkaia (dunno exactly where).

[mormegil]

5 POINT QUESTIONS

Who will score the most goals in the tournament? Turin

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? Beren

Which team will win the tournament? FC Valinor

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Huan

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Morgoth

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Glorfindel

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Turin

[mormegil]

Group A
1st Valimar
2nd Armenelos

Group B
1st Inter Belerian
2nd AC Beleriand

Group C
1st Real Valinor
2nd Hithlum

Group D
1st FC Valinor
2nd Barad-dur

Group E
1st Eriador
2nd Misty Mts

Group F
1st The Sea
2nd Tirion

Group G
1st Angband
2nd Angfauglith

Group H
1st Mordor
2nd Arnor

[mormegil]

GK Halbarad (5)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Nahar (5)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
MF *Yavanna (10)
MF *Glorfindel (13)
FW **Turin (20)
FW **Feanor (21)
FW *Bombadil (8)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I see this year's rosters are not very user-friendly for me, since I have to make decisions. Means, sorry, Lady of the Golden Wood, not on my team this year (not now, at least). There can be only one goalkeeper, and he does not share power. Same goes for Uglúk. A pity. (It's a long journey ahead, though! Things may still change.)


***

Salt and Smoke

GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)

DF Uinen (The Sea)
DF GaladriWight (TIG)
DF Radagast (Wilderland)
DF *Varda (Imladris)

MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF NogWight (Eriador)
MF *Saruman (Isengard)

FW Khamul (SBUnt)
FW *Scatha (Wilderland)
FW *Arien (Valimar) -> C

More stuff to follow in the future.

P.S. Phantom, regarding typos - I assume "The Downer" equals to what you call in your other lists "The Barrow-Downs"? I suggest for the sake of clarity you unify the naming...

P.P.S. And I know I asked about this already last year, but can we change the Captain "free of charge" at any point, or how does it go?

[the phantom]

Ah, quite right- it's now "The Barrow-Downs".

And yes, the (C) for captaincy can be shifted at any time (unless games for that round have already started of course).

[Galadriel55]

Oh, goodness. Teams. Teams. Teams. Arrrghh! I'll do my best to make mine either tomorrow or Wednesday. It takes too looooong! *goes off to whine*

[satansaloser2005]

Goodness gracious. I suppose I should get my act (and team) together in the next few days.

[wilwarin538]

I will do this tomorrow, Thursday at the latest! :)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

I'll hold off my other predictions 'til the friendlies are all done, but I'm confident enough with my Matchday 1 squad.

Atashi no Negai
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Vana (Valimar)
DF Indis (FC Valinor)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF Ingwë (Valimar)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) (C)
FW *Arien (Valimar)

(Those little salary increases have made it surprisingly difficult to field a $100 million squad to my liking. I mean, do I drop Eöl for Aegnor (or Angrod), or do I drop Míriel for Nerdanel??? >.< )

[Shastanis Althreduin]

I will get this done soon! Tomorrow, hopefully.

[Nerwen]

I’ll have mine up tomorrow– sorry about the delay.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Everyone,

There's no need to hurry. :) There's still a round of friendlies going on, and one more round will come after after that. Then us writers will (probably) post some stats and analysis.

(Also, Sally, do you still plan to copy Gwath's team? :Merisu: )

[Nogrod]

There's still a round of friendlies going on, and one more round will come after after that. Then us writers will (probably) post some stats and analysis.And it seems we all hav been a bit lazybones lately (well, having other stuff to do), but you should be able to read some reviews of the freindly games in the coming few days to help you make your predictions - or to make it harder... :rolleyes:

[Galadriel55]

Everyone,

There's no need to hurry. :) There's still a round of friendlies going on, and one more round will come after after that. Then us writers will (probably) post some stats and analysis.

In that case, I will wait for the stats and analyses.

[satansaloser2005]

(Also, Sally, do you still plan to copy Gwath's team? :Merisu: )

That's for me to know and Gwath to find out. *waggles eyebrows* Really though, of course I'm not. Why copy his when I could copy Nog's? ;)

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Mooncrazed Remixed (3 players from one team) (four stars)

GK - *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF - Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF - Aragorn (Eriador)
DF - Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
MF - Argon (FC Valinor)
MF - *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF - Hador (Hithlum)
MF - Arveleg (Eriador)
MF - Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF - NerWight (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)
FW - *Curufin (FC Valinor)

5 POINT QUESTIONS

Who will score the most goals in the tournament? - Curufin, FC Valinor

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? - Yavanna, FC Valinor

Which team will win the tournament? - FC Valinor

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? - Elrond, Eriador

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? - Gil-Galad, Eriador

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? - Yavanna, FC Valinor

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? - Curufin, FC Valinor

GROUP A at Valimar & Taniquetil
Armenelos - 2nd
The Barrow-Downs
The Havens
Valimar - 1st

GROUP B at Gondolin & Tumladen
AC Beleriand - 1st
Inter Beleriand - 2nd
Dwarves United
Gondolin

GROUP C at Menegroth & Neldoreth
Doriath
Hithlum - 1st
Shire-Bree United
Real Valinor - 2nd

GROUP D at Dol Amroth & Pelargir
Barad-Dur - 2nd
Gondor
Isengard
FC Valinor - 1st

GROUP E at Erebor & Mirkwood
Erebor - 2nd
Eriador - 1st
Misty Mts
Wilderland

GROUP F at Tol Eressea Mobile & Pelargir/Balar/Alqualonde
Minas Tirith
Nargothrond
The Sea - 1st
Tirion - 2nd

GROUP G at Anfauglith & Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Angband - 2nd
Angfauglith
Imladris
Tol-In-Gaurhoth - 1st

GROUP H at Rauros
Anduin - 2nd
Arnor
Mordor
Rohan - 1st


The Mooncrazed Millionares (two per team)

GK - ShastaWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth) (10)
DF - Asfaloth (Eriador) (4)
DF - BoroWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth) (8)
DF - Rochallor (AC Beleriand) (4)
MF - Aegnor (AC Beleriand) (10)
MF - Enerdhil (Real Valinor (4)
MF - Beleg (Hithlum) (13)
MF - Yavanna (FC Valinor) (10)
FW - Telvildo (Angband) (9)
FW - Hurin (Hithlum) (14)
FW - Curufin (FC Valinor) (14)

Total = 100

[Shastanis Althreduin]

And we're already making a change, since I'm silly and forgot to use one of my stars (silly me!)

-- Argon
++ Yavanna

The Mooncrazed Remixed

GK - *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF - Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF - Aragorn (Eriador)
DF - Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
MF - *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF - *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF - Hador (Hithlum)
MF - Arveleg (Eriador)
MF - Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF - NerWight (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)
FW - *Curufin (FC Valinor)

[Nerwen]

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *ShastaWolf (T-I-G)
DF – Thorin (Erebor)
DF – Amras (Tirion)
DF – Luthien (Inter Beleriand)
DF – *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF – Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF –Morwen (Hithlum)
MF –Nessa (Real Valinor)
MF –*Beren (Inter Beleriand)
FW –Thuringwethil (T-I-G) (C)
FW –*Curufin (FC Valinor)


Group Predictions

Group A
First: Armenelos
Second: Valimar

Group B
First: AC Beleriand
Second: Inter Beleriand

Group C
First: Real Valinor
Second: Hithlum

Group D
First: FC Valinor
Second: Barad-dur

Group E
First: Eriador
Second: Erebor

Group F
First: Tirion
Second: Nargothrond

Group G
First: Tol-in-Gaurhoth (I refuse to believe anything else!:p)
Second: Angfauglith

Group H
First: Rohan
Second: Anduin

Victory At A Price II
GK Huan (FC Valinor) (15)
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) (4)
DF Borlach (Angfauglith) (3)
DF Draugluin (T-I-G) (8)
MF Findis (FC Val) (4)
MF Denethor (AC Bel) (3)
MF Arveleg (Eriador) (8)
MF Tar Miriel (Armenelos) (7)
MF Nessa (Real Valinor) (10)
FW Inzilwolf (T-I-G) (10)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos) (12)
FW Eol (AC Bel) (15)

5-point questions

Who will score the most goals in the tournament?
Curufin (FC Val)

Who will have the most assists in the tournament?
Eol (AC Bel)

Which team will win the tournament?
AC Beleriand

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Huan (FC Val)

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Draugluin (T-I-G)

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Glorfindel (Eriador)

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Feanor (AC Bel)

[Galadriel55]

I think I won't wait till the very end of friendlies...

Unnamed Horror

GK *Tulkas (Real)
DF Celeborn (Anduin)
DF *Melian (Doriath)
DF Osse (The Sea)
DF Borowolf (TIG)
MF Nienor (Nargothrond)
MF Nerwight (TIG)
MF *Beren (Inter Beleriand)
FW Celegorm (FC Val)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)

Looking at my team... it sucks. There's a 93.47% chance I'll change about half of it before the real games even begin.

[Boromir88]

I got a bit wordier with the TIG-Havens game than anticipated, but I just had a lot of fun writing the story for that one. Wolves and Wights! Huzzah! :D (And well, I suppose if I thought that was wordy, just wait until I get the TTN shoes on and start writing tourney predictions. :rolleyes: )

[the phantom]

Starting tomorrow various tournament guides and publication predictions will be posted, so feel free to read those for fun or actually use them to help orient yourself- particularly if you are indecisive on your selections.

The introductions to host sites will begin sometime late next week, followed by the kickoff of the tournament. :)

[Galadriel55]

Unnamed Horror

--Tulkas
++Elrond

GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Celeborn (Anduin)
DF *Melian (Doriath)
DF Osse (The Sea)
DF Borowolf (TIG)
MF Nienor (Nargothrond)
MF Nerwight (TIG)
MF *Beren (Inter Beleriand)
FW Celegorm (FC Val)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)

Ehhh... still not happy. Whatever.

Group Predictions: winner/runner-up
A: Armenelos/Havens
B: AC/Inter
C: Real/SBU
D: FC Val/Isengard
E: Eriador/Wilderland
F: Tirion/The Sea
G: TIG (duh)/Angband
H: Anduin/Mordor


Who will score the most goals in the tournament? Ugh... *throws dice* Ancalagon

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? Nerdanel

Which team will win the tournament? TIG, and don't dare you say otherwise!

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Elrond. :cool:

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Draugluin

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Nessa

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Turin.

I'll buy my team later.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

I suppose I need a captain, don't I. Silly me. :rolleyes:

The Mooncrazed Remixed

GK - *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF - Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF - Aragorn (Eriador)
DF - Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
MF - *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF - *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF - Hador (Hithlum)
MF - Arveleg (Eriador)
MF - Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF - NerWight (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)
FW - *Curufin (FC Valinor) (C)

[Galadriel55]

I suppose I need a captain, don't I. Silly me. :rolleyes:

Whoops, so do I! :o

Unnamed Horror

GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Celeborn (Anduin)
DF *Melian (Doriath)
DF Osse (The Sea)
DF Borowolf (TIG)
MF Nienor (Nargothrond)
MF Nerwight (TIG)
MF *Beren (Inter Beleriand) (C)
FW Celegorm (FC Val)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)

[tomtom]

tom team

gk race2180
df Darlkzl
df hl1234
df youbian123
df peppeateCat
mf beejhay13
mf HvMRCjgzvB
mf hubesiagosa67
fw ghammers12
fw lucyyenic
fw tomtom (c)

predictions

tom kick stuff

tom win

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The funny thing is, he'll still beat Boro in predicting the outcomes of the semifinals. :p

[Bêthberry]

tom team

gk race2180
df Darlkzl
df hl1234
df youbian123
df peppeateCat
mf beejhay13
mf HvMRCjgzvB
mf hubesiagosa67
fw ghammers12
fw lucyyenic
fw tomtom (c)

predictions

tom kick stuff

tom win

I'd say there are a few ringers on tomtom's team.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

I return with two walls of text. Once I'm done with Group F I'll be enclosing y'all in a cell of text.

('Quick Guide' at the bottom of each team is there for a reason. :D )

Anyway, the true purpose of this post is:

Re EAisticle article of 21 June:

I might not know what the four and a half things wrong with the team are, but it seems an egregious omission not to put in the two DFs named 'Galdor' (from Gondolin and Hithlum) in it.

(Also if we're talking about 'dream' teams, Irmo should be there.)

Yours,
NF from BD

[Nogrod]

Well, here then are my predictions and the stuff, except my team.


Group A
1. Armenelos
2. Valimar

Group B
1. AC Beleriand
2. Inter Beleriand

Group C
1. Real Valinor
2. Hithlum

Group D
1. FC Valinor
2. Barad Dûr

Group E
1. Eriador
2. Erebor

Group F
1. Nargothrond
2. The Sea

Group G
1. Tol in Gaurhoth
2. Angband

Group H
1. Anduin
2. Arnor


~*~

Who will score the most goals in the tournament?
Eöl of AC Beleriand

Who will have the most assists in the tournament?
PhantomWolf of Tol In Gaurhoth

Which team will win the tournament?
AC Beleriand

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Elrond of Eriador

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Tilion of Real Valinor

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Glorfindel of Eriador

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Miriel of Real Valinor


~*~


100 million squad

GK – Hyermendacil, The Sea (8)
DF – GaladriWight, T-I-G (3)
DF – Rochallor, AC Beleriand (4)
DF – Indis, FC Valinor (7)
DF – Tilion, Real Valinor (12)
MF – Arveleg, Eriador (8)
MF – PhantomWolf, T-I-G (10)
MF – Aegnor, AC Beleriand (10)
MF – Glorfindel, Eriador (13)
FW – Celegorm, FC Valinor (11)
FW – Miriel, Real Valinor (14)

= 100 million.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

No $100 million team yet. Still undecided!!!

For 5:

Goals: Curufin (FC Valinor)
Assists: Eöl (AC Beleriand)
Winner: AC Beleriand

Phantasy
GK: Huan (FC Valinor)
DF: Eönwe (FC Valinor)
MF: Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW: Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

For 3+1:

(group: winner, runner-up)

A: Armenelos, Valimar
B: AC Beleriand, Inter Beleriand
C: Real Valinor, Hithlum
D: FC Valinor, Barad-dûr
E: Eriador, Erebor
F: The Sea, Tirion
G: Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Angband
H: Arnor, Rohan

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

GROUP A: Valimar
runner-up: Armenelos

GROUP B: AC Beleriand
runner-up: Inter Beleriand

GROUP C: Real Valinor
runner-up: Hithlum

GROUP D: FC Valinor
runner-up: Isengard

GROUP E: Eriador
runner-up: Wilderland

GROUP F: Nargothrond
runner-up: Tirion

GROUP G: Angfauglith
runner-up: Tol-In-Gaurhoth

GROUP H: Anduin
runner-up: Arnor

Random remark. Let me voice one concern about this year's cup, just from observing the teams. It seemed to me when I was creating my team, and now again when looking at this year's teams more closely, that this year it's much more "biased" towards certain teams' strength than the last year. As in, it seems to me like there's more "disparity" between the teams than there was last year. But since this is only my second year, maybe it's wrong personal impression.

[the phantom]

As in, it seems to me like there's more "disparity" between the teams than there was last year.
I wonder if part of that is the lack of a "group of death" this year. Since last year there were four very solid playoff teams jammed into Group D (and perhaps it could be argued nearly the same was true of Group E), which meant that all the teams in the other groups were less likely to be outmatched.

That's part of what makes a Death Group attractive- both the drama within that group and the evenness it brings to the rest of the field.

(Thought to be fair, there are only 2 groups this year where I might've felt confident enough to try and put money on the winner. The others would make me too nervous for an actual risk.)

[Boromir88]

Random remark. Let me voice one concern about this year's cup, just from observing the teams. It seemed to me when I was creating my team, and now again when looking at this year's teams more closely, that this year it's much more "biased" towards certain teams' strength than the last year. As in, it seems to me like there's more "disparity" between the teams than there was last year. But since this is only my second year, maybe it's wrong personal impression.

I think part of that is the groups seem a touch easier to predict this year than last year...in that there is no apparent "Group of death" where 4 very good teams are jammed into 1 and only 2 make it out. And in order to avoid a lot of similar match-ups to last year, some teams needs to be rearranged and displaced.

Like in Group G...if Imladris was in another group (say D, E, or H) I'd give them a good consideration to advance...but stacked up in Group G I really don't see how they can contend with the others. With that said...I mean I'm having difficulty determining the rest of Group G because one of those teams will inevitably be left out.

And even the teams that I don't give serious consideration to qualifying (take The Barrow-Downs or Minas Tirith as examples) are still good enough to give a stellar effort in one single match that steals a point from one of the superior favorites...which can shake up the outcome of the rest of the group.

This isn't even to mention how I've already talked myself in circles to see at least 8 Championship winners this year...and several of them aren't even sure bets to advance to the playoffs. The two safest bets I see to advance are FC Valinor and AC Beleriand...but they also have weaknesses that once in the knock-out round could send them home without the title.

But more of all these confusing possibilities revolving in my head when TTN's groups analysis comes out (likely to come Wednesday and Thursday when I'm off and not having to manage the closing shift).

(Edit...heh crossed with the phantom)

[the phantom]

Yeah, in my analysis thingummy I guessed that 11 squads could realistically make the finals. (A third of the field- not too bad...)

And as far as the possibility of being left out in the cold after group play, in my best-case/worst-case post I only judged that four squads were "guaranteed" to make the playoffs, meaning that 28 of the 32 squads could be eliminated without it being huge shock.

Like Boro used for his example- Angband certainly seems too good to be left out of the playoffs, but if you take a good look at their opponents in group you can't guarantee they won't get beat by TIG or Angfauglith, thus despite their quality they can't be put down as a lock.

Anyway... We've just got a handful of days left until writers will be writing the first round of games. Get your picks done as soon as you are able. If you're having trouble finding time just PM me and I can try and streamline things for you or come up with a temporary solution.

[Nogrod]

I'm agreeing with the phantom here: if I'd have to bet some real money for teams that would qualify I wouldn't make that many bets...


That said there are at least two things that are different in comparison to years before: the budgets and more or less permanent teams. But both those things bring with them further complications.


It's the second year with budgets and the money poured into a team is a meter for the overall performance of a team. But nothing more.

It is hard to see a 60 million team to beat a 100 million team, but as this is a tournament it may well be that an 80 million team kicks out the 100 million team and then the 60 million team throws the 80 million team off in turn - and as a result we have the 60 million team advancing and the 100 million team relegated. That can happen.

With only two friendlies played before the tournament the media understandably has talked about the budgets and the differences between the teams in terms of money they have at their disposal, but it would be a miracle indeed if all the 100 million teams would take all the quarterfinal-spots leaving the rest out. Against that is actually a bet I could think of making...


The permanent teams are a related issue, but also different. Now some teams have barely changed at all while others have gotten over half of their players changed. Yet by carrying the same name and a core of players we easily get the impression they are more consistent than they might be in the end and thusly judge their merits according to the team last year even if it was different or faced very different teams.

The media might be to blame here as well - with a lot of agreement between the main media-houses one might get the feeling everything is packat och klart ("packed and clear", a Swedish idiom) when it most probably isn't.


Thirdly I would like to add that with that many tight groups of which it is hard to say who wins, who qualifies as the runner-up and who is left into the group-phase, the dynamics of the play-offs might take so many different shapes...

Fex. you might have on the "lower" side of the play-off schedule tough defenders like Eriador, The Sea, Angband and Valimar playing against each other, while on the "upper" side tough scorers like Hithlum, AC Beleriand, FC & Real Valinor, Nargothrond, T-I-G, Erebor etc. would fight it out between themselves... and thus you'd have totally different play-offs compared to games where for instance teams like Valimar and The Sea would need to face T-I-G or Hithlum.

And with this the teams most probably have different advantages and disadvantages. Like we saw last year: Real Valinor lost to FC Valinor two times with no uncertain terms but in the end won the whole thing because others did away with FC Valinor. Or this year, Valimar lost to both The Sea and Real Valinor but if they'd meet Angband (or Anfaughlith) at any turn on the tournament it would be hard to see them losing.

So it is still pretty hard, predicting the tournament.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I think part of that is the groups seem a touch easier to predict this year than last year...in that there is no apparent "Group of death" where 4 very good teams are jammed into 1 and only 2 make it out. And in order to avoid a lot of similar match-ups to last year, some teams needs to be rearranged and displaced.
I wonder if part of that is the lack of a "group of death" this year. Since last year there were four very solid playoff teams jammed into Group D (and perhaps it could be argued nearly the same was true of Group E), which meant that all the teams in the other groups were less likely to be outmatched.

That's part of what makes a Death Group attractive- both the drama within that group and the evenness it brings to the rest of the field.

(Thought to be fair, there are only 2 groups this year where I might've felt confident enough to try and put money on the winner. The others would make me too nervous for an actual risk.)
Hum, humm... yes. In a way, though my perspective on the disparity was more like the opposite: it isn't clear to say which team will win (actually, I think it felt often clearer last year to say: "okay, now of group X, it will be *this* team!" and then you felt unsure as to who the runner-up would be), this year, I feel it more like "okay, it is clear this and this team are not going to win!"

Of course, as it had been said, nothing is set, but I just have a different feeling than last year, that's all.

Anyway, as for some other matter...

ANSWERS TO 5-POINT QUESTIONS

Who will score the most goals in the tournament?
Witch-King (Arnor)

Who will have the most assists in the tournament?
Eöl (AC Bel)

Which team will win the tournament?
Eriador

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Elrond (Eriador)

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Balrog #5 (Hithlum)

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Elros (Armenelos)

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament?
Fëanor (AC Bel)

Now all that remains for me should be the Hundred Million Dollar Baby...

[Nogrod]

Noggportunistics


GK – Hyermendacil (The Sea)
DF – Borlach (Anfaughlith)
DF – Arwen (Eriador)
DF – Lúthien (Inter Beleriand)
DF - * Caranthir (Tirion)
MF – Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF - * Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF – Gwindor (Nargothrond)
MF - * Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW – Thuringwethil (T-I-G)
FW - * Miriel (Real Valinor) (C)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Let the records show that I hate the phantom.

Whenever I had a team that had me nodding, 'Hm, this could work, this'll give me a second straight imaginary award worth far less than another more acknowledged imaginary trophy,' it turns out to be 1 freaking million too expensive.

Why, phantom, why? Did I accidentally run over your dog? Did I say mean things about your favourite sports team? Did I spoil the story of a film you're about to watch? Tell me, what did I do to deserve this???

So, yeah, this is the best I could for now. Might end up tweaking it just before the tourney starts, but I have some degree of trust towards this squad (but not as much as I did towards those that end up costing $101 million).

Atashi no Negai XI - 100
GK *Huan (FC Valinor) - 15
DF Amarië (Valimar) - 4
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) - 4
DF Imlach (AC Beleriand) - 4
DF GaladriWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) - 3
MF NerWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) - 5
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand) - 10
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) - 13
FW *Míriel (Real Valinor) - 14
FW Oromë (Real Valinor) - 14
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) - 14

[Gwathagor]

GAME 1 TEAM
GK: Hyarmendacil (The Sea)
DF: Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: Balrog #2 (Angfauglith)
DF: Vana (Valimar)
MF: Ingwe (Valimar)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: Arveleg (Eriador)
FW: *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW: *Miriel (Real Valinor)
FW: *Arien (Valimar)

PREDICTIONS
Who will score the most goals in the tournament? CURUFIN

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? YAVANNA

Which team will win the tournament? FC VALINOR

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? HUAN

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? EONWE

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? YAVANNA

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? CURUFIN

GROUP A
1. Valimar
2. Armenelos

GROUP B
1. AC Beleriand
2. Inter Beleriand

GROUP C
1. Hithlum
2. Real Valinor

GROUP D
1. FC Valinor
2. Barad-Dur

GROUP E
1. Eriador
2. Erebor

GROUP F
1. The Sea
2. Nargothrond

GROUP G
1. Tol-In-Gaurhoth
2. Angfauglith

GROUP H
1. Rohan
2. Arnor

$100 MILLION TEAM
GK: *Huan (FC Valinor) (15)
DF: Ulwarth (Angband) (4)
DF: Asfaloth (Eriador) (4)
DF: Ingwion (Real Valinor) (5)

MF: Nerwight (Tol In Gaurhoth) (5)

MF: Ingwe (Valimar) (11)

MF: Oikeroi (Angband) (5)
MF: Arveleg (Eriador) (8)

FW: *Miriel (Real Valinor) (15)

FW: *Arien (Valimar) (15)

FW: *Curufin (FC Valinor) (14)

[Galadriel55]

100, 000, 000 Unnamed Horrors
GK *Shastawolf (TIG) - 10
DF Rochallor (AC Bel) - 4
DF Osse (The Sea) - 9
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) - 4
DF Aegnor (AC Bel) - 10
MF Nerwight (TIG) - 5
MF Nessa (Real) - 10
MF Arveleg (Eriador) - 8
FW Hurin (Hithlum) - 14
FW *Curufin (FC Val) - 14
FW Nerdanel (Real) - 12

=100

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

GK Elrond (Eriador) 20

DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum) 13
DF Mauhúr (Isengard) 3
DF Radagast (Wilderland) 11
DF Estë (Valimar) 8

MF Elros (Armenelos) 12
MF Eldalotë (Tirion) 2
MF Hunthor (Inter Bel) 2
MF Tar-Aldarion (Sea) 8

FW Witch-King (Arnor) 13
FW Bard (Erebor) 8

Double-check my maths, if you be so kind, as I am very much prone to mistakes at it, but I think it should be 100 altogether.

[Galadriel55]

I also got 100, I think it' correct.

[Boromir88]

5 POINT QUESTIONS

Who will score the most goals in the tournament? Turin

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? Nerdanel

Which team will win the tournament? FC Valinor

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Huan

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Fingolfin

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Glorfindel

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Feanor


GROUP PREDICTIONS

A: Armenelos, Valimar
B: AC Beleriand, Gondolin
C: Hithlum, Real Valinor
D: FC Valinor, Barad-dur
E: Eriador, Misty Mts
F: The Sea, Nargothrond
G: Angband, Tol-in-Gaurhoth
H: Arnor, Mordor

[Boromir88]

Round 1 team...

We Didn't Start the Fire

GK- *Elrond (Eriador)
DF- Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF- Balrog #2 (Angfauglith)
DF- Luthien (Inter Bel)
DF- *Namo (Valimar)
MF- Beruthiel (Barad-Dur)
MF- Tar Ancalimon (Armenelos)
MF- Boromir II (Anduin)
MF- *Eomer (Minas Tirith)
FW- Hurin (Hithlum)
FW- *Miriel (Real Valinor) - C

100 million squad...

It was Always Burning

GK- Silent Watcher (Mordor) 1
DF- GaladriWight (TIG) 3
DF- Rochallor (AC Beleriand) 4
DF- Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF- Umuiyan (Angband) 5
MF- Argon (FC Valinor) 7
MF- Tar Aldarion (The Sea) 8
MF- Beleg (Hithlum) 13
FW- Curufin (FC Valinor) 14
FW- Turin (Hithlum) 20
FW- Feanor (AC Beleriand) 21

[the phantom]

The first round of games will be ready to go in a couple days, but we can hold off for a couple extra days for anyone that hasn't made picks yet.

Also, feel free to try and rope in new players- offer to help them make picks if they don't think they can get them done in time. More players means a lower percentage chance of finishing in last place after all. :D

[satansaloser2005]

Cupkicks, Round One: Fight!
GK: *Huan (FC Val)
DF: Balrog #4 (AC Bel)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: BoroWolf (TiG)
DF: *Morgoth (Angband)
MF: NogWight (Eriador)
MF: Daeron (Doriath)
MF: NerWight (TiG)
FW: *Curufin (FC Val)
FW: *Smaug (Erebor) (C)
FW: Thuringwethil (TiG)

PREDICTIONS
Who will score the most goals in the tournament? Feanor

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? PhantomWolf

Which team will win the tournament? FC Valinor

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Huan

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Morgoth

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Glorfindel

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Feanor

GROUP A
1. Valimar
2. The Havens

GROUP B
1. AC Bel
2. Inter Bel

GROUP C
1. Real Val
2. Doriath

GROUP D
1. FC Val
2. Barad-Dur

GROUP E
1. Erebor
2. Eriador

GROUP F
1. Tirion
2. Minas Tirith

GROUP G
1. TiG
2. Imladris

GROUP H
1. Rohan
2. Anduin

100 calorie....I mean million team
GK: *ShastaWolf (TiG) (10)
DF: Irime (Tirion) (3)
DF: Elwing (Doriath) (6)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador) (10) 

MF: Nerwight (TiG) (5)
MF: Denethor (AC Bel) (3)
MF: Ilmare (Valimar) (8)
MF: Nessa (Real Val) (10)
FW: Celegorm (FC Val) (11)
FW: Finwe (Tirion) (13)
FW: **Feanor (AC Bel) (21)

[wilwarin538]

Okay, finally gonna sit down and do this!


Wilwa's Winners
GK: Marach (ACBel)
DF: Celeborn (Anduin)
DF: Uinen (Sea)
DF: BoroWolf (TiG)
DF: *Morgoth (Angband)
MF: Cirdan (Havens)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: Idril (Gondolin)
FW: *Miriel (Real Valinor) C
FW: *Smaug (Erebor)
FW: Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)


PREDICTIONS
Who will score the most goals in the tournament? Turin

Who will have the most assists in the tournament? Yavanna

Which team will win the tournament? Tol-In-Gaurhoth

Which goalkeeper will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Elrond

Which defender will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Fingolfin

Which midfielder will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Nessa

Which forward will score the most total phantasy points in the tournament? Feanor


GROUP A
1. Armenelos
2. The Havens

GROUP B
1. Gondolin
2. Inter Beleriand

GROUP C
1. Hithlum
2. Real Valinor

GROUP D
1. Gondor
2. Barad-Dur

GROUP E
1. Misty Mountains
2. Eriador

GROUP F
1. Tirion
2. The Sea

GROUP G
1. Tol-In-Gaurhoth
2. Angfauglith

GROUP H
1. Mordor
2. Anduin

[the phantom]

Okay- this should be an accurate and complete list of 100 Million Dollar squads.
Nerwen- you have an extra midfielder (12 total players), so you can just tell me to trash one, or you can take advantage of the extra cash it gives you and change a player or two.
Gwath- I'm fairly certain your team adds up to 101. If you could double-check it and make adjustments if necessary.

Inzil 100
GK Carcaroth (Angband) 9
DF Melian (Doriath) 14
DF Landroval (Erebor) 8
DF Treebeard (Isengard) 10
MF NerWight (TIG) 5
MF Dain (Erebor) 5
MF Azog (Misty Mtns) 8
MF Elwe (Doriath) 13
FW Tuor (Gondolin) 10
FW Shelob (Mordor) 10
FW Helm (Rohan) 8

Dream "stink" Team 100
GK Halbarad (SB Unt)5
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF Amarie (Valimar) 4
DF Nahar (Real Val) 5
MF Hunthor (Inter Bel) 2
MF Tar Aldarion (Sea) 8
MF Yavanna (FC Val) 10
MF Glorfindel (Eriador) 13
FW Turin (Hithlum) 20
FW Feanor (AC Bel) 21
FW Bombadil (BDowns) 8

The Mooncrazed Millionaires 100
GK ShastaWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth) 10
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF BoroWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth) 8
DF Rochallor (AC Beleriand) 4
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand) 10
MF Enerdhil (Real Valinor) 4
MF Beleg (Hithlum) 13
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor) 10
FW Telvildo (Angband) 9
FW Hurin (Hithlum) 14
FW Curufin (FC Valinor) 14

Victory At A Price II 96
GK Huan (FC Valinor) 15
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF Borlach (Angfauglith) 3
DF Draugluin (T-I-G) 8
MF Findis (FC Val) 4
MF Arveleg (Eriador) 8
MF Tar Miriel (Armenelos) 7
MF Nessa (Real Valinor) 10
FW Inzilwolf (T-I-G) 10
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos) 12
FW Eol (AC Bel) 15

Nogrod 100
GK Hyermendacil (The Sea) 8
DF GaladriWight (T-I-G) 3
DF Rochallor (AC Beleriand) 4
DF Indis (FC Valinor) 7
DF Tilion (Real Valinor) 12
MF Arveleg (Eriador) 8
MF PhantomWolf (T-I-G) 10
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand) 10
MF Glorfindel (Eriador) 13
FW Celegorm (FC Valinor) 11
FW Miriel (Real Valinor) 14

Atashi no Negai XI 100
GK Huan (FC Valinor) 15
DF Amarië (Valimar) 4
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF Imlach (AC Beleriand) 4
DF GaladriWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) 3
MF NerWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) 5
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand) 10
MF Glorfindel (Eriador) 13
FW Míriel (Real Valinor) 14
FW Oromë (Real Valinor) 14
FW Curufin (FC Valinor) 14

Gwath 100
GK Huan (FC Valinor) 15
DF Ulwarth (Angband) 4
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF Ingwion (Real Valinor) 5
MF Nerwight (Tol In Gaurhoth) 5

MF Ingwe (Valimar) 11

MF Oikeroi (Angband) 5
MF Arveleg (Eriador) 8

FW Miriel (Real Valinor) 14

FW Arien (Valimar) 15

FW Curufin (FC Valinor) 14

100, 000, 000 Unnamed Horrors 100
GK Shastawolf (TIG) 10
DF Rochallor (AC Bel) 4
DF Osse (The Sea) 9
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF Aegnor (AC Bel) 10
MF Nerwight (TIG) 5
MF Nessa (Real) 10
MF Arveleg (Eriador) 8
FW Hurin (Hithlum) 14
FW Curufin (FC Val) 14
FW Nerdanel (Real) 12

It was Always Burning 100
GK Silent Watcher (Mordor) 1
DF GaladriWight (TIG) 3
DF Rochallor (AC Beleriand) 4
DF Asfaloth (Eriador) 4
DF Umuiyan (Angband) 5
MF Argon (FC Valinor) 7
MF Tar Aldarion (The Sea) 8
MF Beleg (Hithlum) 13
FW Curufin (FC Valinor) 14
FW Turin (Hithlum) 20
FW Feanor (AC Beleriand) 21

100 calorie....I mean million team 100
GK ShastaWolf (TiG) 10
DF Irime (Tirion) 3
DF Elwing (Doriath) 6
DF Aragorn (Eriador) 10 

MF Nerwight (TiG) 5
MF Denethor (AC Bel) 3
MF Ilmare (Valimar) 8
MF Nessa (Real Val) 10
FW Celegorm (FC Val) 11
FW Finwe (Tirion) 13
FW Feanor (AC Bel) 21

Wilwa 46
GK Silent Watcher (Mordor) 1
DF Galathil (Doriath) 2
DF Arroch (Hithlum) 2
DF Baragund (Inter Bel) 3
MF Bor (Angfauglith) 3
MF Arahael (Imladris) 5
MF Arantar (Arnor) 5
MF Beruthiel (Barad-Dur) 5
FW Saucepan Man (BDowns) 6
FW Araphor (Arnor) 7
FW Boromir 1 (MTirith) 7

He Says Million 100
GK Elrond (Eriador) 20
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum) 13
DF Mauhúr (Isengard) 3
DF Radagast (Wilderland) 11
DF Estë (Valimar) 8
MF Elros (Armenelos) 12
MF Eldalotë (Tirion) 2
MF Hunthor (Inter Bel) 2
MF Tar-Aldarion (Sea) 8
FW Witch-King (Arnor) 13
FW Bard (Erebor) 8

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Gwath- I'm fairly certain your team adds up to 101. If you could double-check it and make adjustments if necessary.He got the price for Míriel wrong. It's only 14 million.

[the phantom]

All righty- Gwath's has been changed.

[Nerwen]

How in Middle-earth did I do that?:eek:

Well, just ditch Denethor, if you please, phantom.. I don't think there's time for anything else.

[the phantom]

Aye aye. Denethor is gone.

And I do believe we're ready to roll. :)

[Gwathagor]

All righty- Gwath's has been changed.

Thanks.

[Galadriel55]

Aww, crap, I forgot that I'm leaving for a fortnight this summer again! Go bugger. If anyone wants to take over my team for the next two weeks starting Sunday feel free, and if not let's hope not all my players would be out by the time I get to making changes to my team...

[the phantom]

Don't worry Galadriel- all the results for this round will be out in a timely fashion, so you'll get a chance to set your squad up for round two, and then I'll send you the matchups in the third round so you can have an idea of which players you want for that round, and you can designate some rules, e.g. "give me player X for round 3 unless their team loses in round 2" etc. And then for any final toss-up decisions or whatever then certainly someone will probably be willing to help you out.

I say "probably" because it's possible they'd want to sabotage you if you're looking like a threat. :p

[Gwathagor]

DANG IT! I forgot to make Curufin my captain. What's the protocol here, phantom? Pick a player whose team hasn't played yet? Or does one get picked by default, or...?

[the phantom]

Ah, I didn't realize you hadn't named a captain... Yes, for this round, go ahead and choose a captain that is not from Group A or Group D.

[Gwathagor]

Miriel = captain.

GK: Hyarmendacil (The Sea)
DF: Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: Balrog #2 (Angfauglith)
DF: Vana (Valimar)
MF: Ingwe (Valimar)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: Arveleg (Eriador)
FW: *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW: *Miriel (Real Valinor) C
FW: *Arien (Valimar)

[the phantom]

As we so often do, we’ll begin by showing how many points there were to be gained with the perfect alignment.

The Perfect Team
GK Turgon (Inter Bel)- 6
DF Maglor (FC Val)- 7
DF Barahir (Nargothrond)- 7
DF *NilpWolf (T-I-G)- 10
DF *Fram (Anduin)- 10
MF Irmo (Valimar)- 8
MF Ingwe (Valimar)- 6
MF Nazgul#2 (Mordor)- 6
MF Haldir (Anduin)- 7
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C- 11
FW *Scatha (Wilderland)- 8
TOTAL = 97

And here is how everyone fared. Let me know if there’s a mistake on any of these.

Lynch Mob
GK Hyarmendacil (The Sea)- 4
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)- 7
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 5
DF Balrog #2 (Angfauglith)- 4
DF Vana (Valimar)- 4
MF Ingwe (Valimar)- 6
MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 6
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 3
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)- 11
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor) C- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 0
TOTAL = 58

Atashi no Negai
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 5
DF Vana (Valimar)- 4
DF Indis (FC Valinor)- 4
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)- 7
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)- -1
MF Ingwë (Valimar)- 6
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)- 4
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) C- 11
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 0
TOTAL = 60

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)- 7
DF Balrog #2 (Angfauglith)- 4
DF Luthien (Inter Bel)- 4
DF *Namo (Valimar)- 4
MF Beruthiel (Barad-Dur)- 0
MF Tar Ancalimon (Armenelos)- 3
MF Boromir II (Anduin)- 1
MF *Eomer (Minas Tirith)- 0
FW Hurin (Hithlum)- 4
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor) C- 4
TOTAL = 39

The Mooncrazed Remixed
GK *Huan (FC Valinor)- 4
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- -1
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 5
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)- 2
MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 6
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 0
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 3
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 3
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand)- 0
MF NerWight (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)- 1
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) C- 11
TOTAL = 45

Noggportunistics
GK Hyermendacil (The Sea)- 4
DF Borlach (Anfauglith)- 4
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 2
DF Lúthien (Inter Beleriand)- 4
DF *Caranthir (Tirion)- 2
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand)- 0
MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 6
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW Gwindor (Nargothrond)- 3
FW Thuringwethil (T-I-G)- 3
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor) C- 4
TOTAL = 41

Cupkicks
GK *Huan (FC Val)- 4
DF Balrog #4 (AC Bel)- 2
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 5
DF BoroWolf (TiG)- 3
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 0
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 5
MF Daeron (Doriath)- 0
MF NerWight (TiG)- 1
FW *Curufin (FC Val)- 11
FW *Smaug (Erebor) C- 7
FW Thuringwethil (TiG)- 3
TOTAL = 48

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *ShastaWolf (T-I-G)- 6
DF Thorin (Erebor)- 0
DF Amras (Tirion)- 1
DF Luthien (Inter Beleriand)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)- 2
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand)- 0
MF Morwen (Hithlum)- 0
MF Nessa (Real Valinor)- 5
MF *Beren (Inter Beleriand)- 4
FW Thuringwethil (T-I-G) C- 3
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)- 11
TOTAL = 39

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 4
DF *Melian (Doriath)- 2
DF Osse (The Sea)- 2
DF Borowolf (TIG)- 3
MF Nienor (Nargothrond)- 1
MF Nerwight (TIG)- 1
MF *Beren (Inter Beleriand) C- 4
FW Celegorm (FC Val)- 0
FW *Curufin (FC Val)- 11
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)- 4
TOTAL = 40

Salt and Smoke
GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)- 4
DF Uinen (The Sea)- 2
DF GaladriWight (TIG)- 4
DF Radagast (Wilderland)- 0
DF *Varda (Imladris)- 2
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)- -1
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 5
MF *Saruman (Isengard)- 0
FW Khamul (SBUnt)- -1
FW *Scatha (Wilderland)- 8
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 0
TOTAL = 23

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (Dwarves United)- 2
DF Nienna (Real Valinor)- 1
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- -1
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 2
DF Alatar (Barad-Dur)- 1
MF *Elwe (Doriath)- 5
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) C- 5
MF Cirdan (The Havens)- 0
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand)- 0
FW *Arien (Valinor)- 0
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)- 4
TOTAL = 24

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 4
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 4
DF Uinen (Sea)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TiG)- 3
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 0
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 0
MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 6
MF Idril (Gondolin)- 0
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor) C- 4
FW *Smaug (Erebor)- 7
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)- 4
TOTAL = 38

The Uncloakables
GK *Ungoliant (Angfauglith)- 6
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 0
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 3
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 5
DF Luthien (Inter Beleriand)- 4
MF *Elwe (Doriath) C- 5
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 3
MF Nazgul #5 (Isengard)- 0
FW *Gothmog (Angfauglith)- 3
FW Legolas (Dwarves United)- 0
FW Elladan (Imladris)- 0
TOTAL = 34

Point Standings
Atashi no Negai- 60
Lynch Mob- 58
Cupkicks- 48
Mooncrazed Remixed- 45
Noggportunistics- 41
Unnamed Horror- 40
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 39
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 39
Wilwa’s Winners- 38
The Uncloakables- 34
FC Monkey Stink- 24
Salt and Smoke- 23

You have unlimited trades before the next round of games. The star limit is still four. Here is the schedule for round 2-

-----
The Havens vs The Barrow-Downs
Armenelos vs Valimar
-----
AC Bel vs Inter Bel
DwarvesU vs Gondolin
-----
Hithlum vs SBUnited
Doriath vs Real Val
-----
Barad-Dur vs Isengard
Gondor vs FC Val
-----
MistyMts vs Wilderland
Erebor vs Eriador
-----
MTirith vs Tirion
Nargothrond vs The Sea
-----
Imladris vs T-I-G
Angband vs Angfauglith
-----
Arnor vs Mordor
Anduin vs Rohan
-----

[Nogrod]

A double, almost twenty-point lead already on the first round!

Congrats!

Well, Curufin's captaincy = 22 points... :eek:

[Inziladun]

Off to my usual start, I see. :p

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Gwath should've been in the lead (only by five pts, but still.)

And Nog, it's not like you didn't overturn a 20+ pt lead last time we did this. :p

ArdaCup.com Stats Report to be up in twelve hrs (bad connexion = can't upload images), but at least I can get this up:

Atashi no Negai NEXT
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Nahar (Real Valinor)
DF Ingwion (Real Valinor)
DF Amras (Tirion)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF Nazgûl #3 (Wilderland)
MF NerWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Túrin (Hithlum) (C)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

My, my. I saw from the beginning that this round was going exceptionally badly. I wonder if my "pick whomever I like, because I have no idea how this works anyway" newbie attitude last year wasn't better than this wannabe-rationalistic approach. Still, I think I can be grateful for something. Not probably going to change anybody yet, except for the captaincy:

Salt and Smoke
-> Scatha (Wilderland) (C) is my new captain.

[the phantom]

Okay, I made the couple of corrections Nilp pointed out (Galadriel & Hurin points) so hopefully everything is good now. I've also posted a Phantasy Strategy column on the main thread, and no doubt some of the other writers will be making predictions and recommendations for this round soon, so if you're looking for tips keep your eyes open for those.

[Inziladun]

--MF Nazgul # 5 (Isengard)
--FW Elladan (Imladris)

++MF Argon (FC Valinor)
++FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)


GK- *Ungoliant (Angband)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Aragorn (Eriador) (C)
DF Luthien (Inter Beleriand)
MF *Elwe (Doriath)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
FW *Gothmog (Angfauglith)
FW Legolas (Dwarves United)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)

Captaincy change to Aragorn.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Just one change:

--MF NerWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
++MF Argon (FC Valinor)

Atashi no Negai NEXT
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Nahar (Real Valinor)
DF Ingwion (Real Valinor)
DF Amras (Tirion)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF Nazgûl #3 (Wilderland)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Túrin (Hithlum) (C)

[Nerwen]

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom

GK *Shastawolf (T-I-G)
DF Amras (Tirion)
DF Borowolf (T-I-G)
DF Maglor (FC Val)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
MF Aegnor (AC Bel)
MF Morwen (Hithlum)
MF Nessa (Real Val)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Thuringwethil (T-I-G)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C


--*Beren
--Luthien
--Thorin

++Maglor
++Borowolf
++ *Glorfindel

[Boromir88]

Time to reload the entire team :p

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF Balrog #2 (Angfauglith)
DF Luthien (Inter Bel)
DF *Namo (Valimar)
MF Beruthiel (Barad-Dur)
MF Tar Ancalimon (Armenelos)
MF Boromir II (Anduin)
MF *Eomer (Minas Tirith)
FW Hurin (Hithlum)
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)

-------------

--DF Maglor
--DF Balrog #2
--DF Luthien
--DF *Namo
++DF BoroWolf
++DF Celeborn
++DF *Eonwe
++DF *Morgoth

--MF Beruthiel
--MF Tar Ancalimon
--MF *Eomer
++MF Azog
++MF Cirdan

--FW Hurin
--FW *Miriel
++FW Tar Minastir
++FW Finwe
++FW *Sauron

---------

Round 2 - Only keeping 2 holdovers and Elrond becomes captain. Since I didn't do so well picking mid-fielders I'm taking as few as allowed.

We Didn't Start The Fire
GK- *Elrond (Eriador) - C
DF- BoroWolf (TIG)
DF- Celeborn (Anduin)
DF- *Eonwe (FC Valinor)
DF- *Morgoth (Angband)
MF- Boromir II (Anduin)
MF- Azog (Misty Mts)
MF- Cirdan (The Havens)
FW- Tar Minastir (The Sea)
FW- Finwe (Tirion)
FW- *Sauron (Barad-Dur)

[Nogrod]

Noggportunistics

GK – Hyermendacil (The Sea)
DF – Borlach (Anfaughlith)
DF – Arwen (Eriador)
DF – Lúthien (Inter Beleriand)
DF - * Caranthir (Tirion)
MF – Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF - * Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF – Gwindor (Nargothrond)
MF - * Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW – Thuringwethil (T-I-G)
FW - * Miriel (Real Valinor) (C)

So some changes indeed... and some I hate to do. :(

Off goes for the next round: Hyermendacil, Borlach, Arwen, Lúthien (*sigh*), Caranthir, Aegnor, Gwindor (drat!), Glorfindel (bleurgh!) and Thuringwethil (she'll be golden on this round but I just can't let go of Miriel in principle)...

That means only two of my original players remain: Miriel (my captain, o my captain!) and Yavanna (italicized). On a positive note it's starts to look more like my team from years gone by. Let's see if I can marry opportunism with principles - it would be the first time in history I presume. :)

The best of luck to everyone!


Noggportunistics

GK * ShastaWolf (T-I-G)

DF Thorondor (FC Valinor)
DF Amras (Tirion)
DF Alatar (Barad-Dûr)
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)

MF NerWight (T-I-G)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)

FW Aredhel (Tirion)
FW Thranduil (Wilderland)
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor) C

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Let's see if I can marry opportunism with principlesBut Nog, I've been doing that for years--I kept Finrod and Tar-Míriel in my squad so long as their team's still qualified. :p

... Oh, you mean the whole eleven?

[the phantom]

This is Galadriel's team per her PM instructions before the last round ended.

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Celeborn (Anduin)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Draugluin (TIG)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF *Beren (InterBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
MF Nienor (Nargothrond)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C
FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)
FW Nerdanel (Real)

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Rushed for time, but I promise, I'll get my trades in as soon as I can.

[the phantom]

Just letting everyone know, the games of round 2 will start rolling on Sunday.

[satansaloser2005]

Excellent. I'll try to do my picks tomorrow evening, but if I forget, phantom, you have my permission to phone me and shout a lot.

[Gwathagor]

--
Hyarmendacil
Balrog #2
Vana
Ingwe
Arveleg
Arien

++
Tulkas
Olwe
Borowolf
Aegnor
Cirdan
Hurin


GK: *Tulkas (Real Valinor)
DF: Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: Olwe (The Havens)
DF: Borowolf (TIG)
MF: Aegnor (ACB)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: Cirdan (The Havens)
FW: *Curufin (FC Valinor) C
FW: *Miriel (Real Valinor)
FW: Hurin (Hithlum)

[satansaloser2005]

I'm actually decently happy with my squad, at least enough to give them another round as they are. Switching captaincy to Curufin is tempting, and not doing so will probably put me down the list a little, but I'd rather stay consistent than chase after previous victories. After all, Smaug is a flipping dragon. Also, this (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/5022918/Benedict-Cumberbatch-in-Sherlock-tease.html).

Cupkicks, Round Two: Twice as Sweet to Avoid Defeat
GK: *Huan (FC Val)
DF: Balrog #4 (AC Bel)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: BoroWolf (TiG)
DF: *Morgoth (Angband)
MF: NogWight (Eriador)
MF: Daeron (Doriath)
MF: NerWight (TiG)
FW: *Curufin (FC Val)
FW: *Smaug (Erebor) (C)
FW: Thuringwethil (TiG)

[Shastanis Althreduin]

You know, I think I'm just going to go ahead and give my team one more shot. Leave it as is for round two.

[Galadriel55]

I came back, but not back enough to figure out what's going on (or I'm just too busy defending one epic hero over at the Books forum :p). Can someone tell me where we are right now and what/if I need to do something to my team in the near future?

[the phantom]

Perfect timing, Galadriel. Round 2 just finished. I'll be posting the points and such shortly....

[the phantom]

As we so often do, we’ll begin by showing how many points there were to be gained with the perfect alignment.

The Perfect Team
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 6
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 5
DF Ingwion (RealVal)- 10
DF *Caranthir (Tirion)- 7
DF Uinen (Sea)- 6
MF Aegnor (ACBel) C- 10
MF Argon (FCVal)- 9
MF Nienor (Nargothrond)- 5
FW Eol (ACBel)- 7
FW Legolas (DwUnt)- 8
FW *DBane (MMts)- 7
TOTAL = 90

And here is how everyone fared. Let me know if there’s a mistake on any of these.
(Arien's score corrected.)

Lynch Mob
GK *Tulkas (RealVal)- 4
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 4
DF Olwe (Havens)- 0
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 10
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 0
FW *Miriel (RealVal)- 3
FW Hurin (Hithlum)- 3
TOTAL = 39

Atashi no Negai
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Nahar (RealVal)- 4
DF Ingwion (RealVal)- 10
DF Amras (Tirion)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
MF Tar-Míriel (Armen)- 0
MF Nazgul#3 (Wilder)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 9
FW Finrod (Narg)- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C- 7
TOTAL = 52

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C- 6
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 2
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 4
MF Boromir II (Anduin)- 5
MF Azog (MMts)- 5
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 3
FW TarMinastir (Sea)- 3
FW Finwe (Tirion)- 4
FW *Sauron (BDur)- 7
TOTAL = 53

The Mooncrazed Remixed
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- 5
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 4
DF Balrog #4 (ACBel)- 1
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 5
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 5
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 1
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 10
MF NerWight (TIG)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 0
TOTAL = 43

Noggportunistics
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Thorondor (FCVal)- 4
DF Amras (Tirion)- 4
DF Alatar (BDur)- 2
DF *Tilion (RealVal)- 4
MF NerWight (TIG)- 4
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 5
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
FW Aredhel (Tirion)- 4
FW Thranduil (Wilder)- 4
FW *Miriel (RealVal) C- 3
TOTAL = 45

Cupkicks
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF Balrog #4 (ACBel)- 1
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 4
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 4
MF Daeron (Doriath)- -1
MF NerWight (TIG)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
FW *Smaug (Erebor) C- 0
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)- 4
TOTAL = 28

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Amras (Tirion)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 10
MF Morwen (Hithlum)- 3
MF Nessa (RealVal)- 1
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 1
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 0
TOTAL = 37

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 6
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Draugluin (TIG)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 4
MF *Beren (InterBel)- -1
MF NerWight (TIG)- 4
MF Nienor (Narg)- 5
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C- 0
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)- 3
FW Nerdanel (RealVal)- 4
TOTAL = 35

Salt and Smoke
GK Tar-Atanamir (Armen)- 4
DF Uinen (Sea)- 6
DF GaladriWight (TIG)- 4
DF Radagast (Wilder)- 3
DF *Varda (Imladris)- 0
MF Tar-Míriel (Armen)- 0
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 4
MF *Saruman (Isengard)- 3
FW Khamul (SBUnt)- 0
FW *Scatha (Wilder) C- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 4
TOTAL = 36

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (DwUnt)- 4
DF Nienna (RealVal)- 4
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 5
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 4
DF Alatar (BDur)- 2
MF *Elwe (Doriath)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) C- 1
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 3
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 10
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 4
FW *Miriel (RealVal)- 3
TOTAL = 41

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 2
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 2
DF Uinen (Sea)- 6
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 4
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 3
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF Idril (Gondolin)- 0
FW *Miriel (RealVal) C- 3
FW *Smaug (Erebor)- 0
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)- 3
TOTAL = 34

The Uncloakables
GK *Ungoliant (Angfaug)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador) C- 4
DF Luthien (InterBel)- -1
MF *Elwe (Doriath)- 0
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 5
MF Argon (FCVal)- 9
FW *Gothmog (Angfaug)- 0
FW Legolas (DwUnt)- 8
FW ArPharazon (Armen)- 3
TOTAL = 44

Round 2 Point Standings
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 53
Atashi no Negai- 52
Noggportunistics- 45
The Uncloakables- 44
Mooncrazed Remixed- 43
FC Monkey Stink- 41
Lynch Mob- 39
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 37
Salt and Smoke- 36
Unnamed Horror- 35
Wilwa’s Winners- 34
Cupkicks- 28

So we add this to the points you made the first round and here is how it stands...

Total Point Standings
Atashi no Negai- 112
Lynch Mob- 97
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 92
Mooncrazed Remixed- 88
Noggportunistics- 86
The Uncloakables- 78
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 76
Cupkicks- 76
Unnamed Horror- 75
Wilwa’s Winners- 72
FC Monkey Stink- 65
Salt and Smoke- 59

The big movers this round were Boro climbing three slots and Inzil climbing four slots. And in the meantime a solid round from Nilp grew his first place lead.

[the phantom]

You have unlimited trades this round, but this is the last time that happens. Next round you're only allowed seven trades, so you'd better not have more than seven of your players get eliminated. (A guide to which teams risk elimination can be found here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=685217&posted=1#post685217).)

You are now allowed five stars on your squad. Best of luck. :)

Round 3 Games

Armenelos vs Barrow-Downs
Havens vs Valimar

AC Beleriand vs Dwarves United
Inter Beleriand vs Gondolin

Shire-Bree United vs Real Valinor
Doriath vs Hithlum

Barad-Dur vs FC Valinor
Gondor vs Isengard

Erebor vs Misty Mts
Eriador vs Wilderland

Nargothrond vs Tirion
Minas Tirith vs The Sea

Angband vs Imladris
Angfauglith vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

Arnor vs Rohan
Anduin vs Mordor

[satansaloser2005]

Well that was unpleasant....

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

I'm probably gonna change my mind on a midfield slot and a defender or two, but, then again, I might not.

Atashi no Negai ~more aggressive~
GK Hyarmendacil (The Sea)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Tar-Telperiën (Armenelos)
DF *Ulmo (The Sea)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Elros (Armenelos)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor) (C)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Well, this was definitely better than first round, but still nothing so great. But I am being conservative. Let's see about these.

--DF Radagast
--MF Saruman
--FW Khamul

++DF Balrog#5
++MF Glorfindel
++FW Glaurung

So, we have:

Salt and More Smoke

GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)

DF Uinen (The Sea)
DF GaladriWight (TIG)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF *Varda (Imladris)

MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF NogWight (Eriador)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)

FW *Glaurung (Nargothrond)
FW *Scatha (Wilderland)
FW *Arien (Valimar) C

[Inziladun]

Let's see if I can keep the current trend going.

--GK *Ungoliant (Angband)
++GK Marach (AC Beleriand)
--MF *Elwe (Doriath)
++MF *Phantomwolf (TIG)
--FW Legolas (Dwarves United)
++FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)
--FW Ar Pharazon (Armenelos)
++FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)


GK- Marach (AC Beleriand)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Aragorn (Eriador) (C)
DF Luthien (Inter Beleriand)
MF *Phantomwolf (TIG)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
FW *Gothmog (Angfauglith)
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)

[Nogrod]

Okay... going quite fine but Mr. Nilp & co are getting a bit too far ahead. So some drastic measures - and coming back towards my team-roots then.

I'm changing the whole "downstairs" of my team and basically going even more for my first year's "Beauties and the Beasts" -team spirits allowing only females and beasts / creatures of some sort into my team... there will be still two exceptions with that principle but I will - or then not - try to get to deal with them later... :rolleyes:


So, the changes:

-- GK *Shastawolf (T-I-G)
++ GK Amroth (Anduin)


-- DF Thorondor (FC Valinor)
-- DF Amras (Tirion)
-- DF Alatar (Barad-Dûr)
-- DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
++ DF Rochallor (AC Beleriand)
++ DF BoroWolf (T-I-G)
++ DF *Ulmo (The Sea)
++ DF *Morgoth (Angband)


-- MF NerWight (T-I-G)
++ MF NogWight (Eriador)


-- FW Thranduil (Wilderland)
++ *Arien (Valimar)


Which results in the following team for round three.


Noggportunistics


GK - Amroth (Anduin)

DF - Rochallor (AC Beleriand)
DF - BoroWolf (T-I-G)
DF - *Ulmo (The Sea)
DF - *Morgoth (Angband)

MF - NogWight (Eriador)
MF - Hador (Hithlum)
MF - *Yavanna (FC Valinor)

FW - Aredhel (Tirion)
FW - *Arien ( Valimar) C
FW - *Miriel (Real Valinor)



EDIT: A change: I'll put all on Arien this round... thence the captaincy (she made me the champion last season - now it's time to see if she can deliver this time as well) moves from Miriel to her.

[Boromir88]

Well the overhaul definitely worked, but I'm still dreading how long I can hold off taking Curufin until the rest get too far ahead. :p

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Celeborn (Anduin)
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF Boromir II (Anduin)
MF Azog (MMts)
MF Cirdan (Havens)
FW TarMinastir (Sea)
FW Finwe (Tirion)
FW *Sauron (BDur)

-----

--DF Celeborn
--DF *Eonwe
++DF *Fingolfin
++DF *Tilion

--MF Azog
--MF Cirdan
++MF *Elros
++MF Angrod

--FW Finwe
--FW *Sauron
++FW Eldacar
++FW Orome

----

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF Boromir II (Anduin)
MF Angrod (ACBel)
MF *Elros (Armenelos)
FW TarMinastir (Sea)
FW Eldacar (Gondor)
FW Orome (Real Valinor)

----

Not as drastic as a shake up but I've always wondered how this ever-revolving door of "what no-star FWs could have a great game?" guesses will pan out.

[the phantom]

Games will likely start going up the 3rd or the 4th, so get your trades done, or at least let us know you intend to do trades so we know to hold off for you.

Per her PM instructions this is Galadriel's team (unless of course she gets back in time and chooses to adjust it).

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Celeborn (Anduin)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Draugluin (TIG)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF NerWight (TIG)
MF Nienor (Narg)
FW *Miriel (RealV)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)
FW Nerdanel (RealV)

[Galadriel55]

I'm back, but couple "resource limit is reached" with my recently turned bad connection and it takes forever to do anything on the Downs... Tonight? :Merisu:

[Galadriel55]

--Celeborn (Anduin)
++*Fingolfin (AC Bel)

--Draugluin (TIG)
++Uinen (Sea)

--*Miriel (Real)
++Curufin (FCVal)

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Uinen (Sea)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF NerWight (TIG)
MF Nienor (Narg)
FW *Curufin (FCVal)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)
FW Nerdanel (RealV)

Really want to squist Hurin in there somewhere, but I don't want to replace any of the FWs I have now... sucks.

[satansaloser2005]

Hey, I'll be getting to my picks on Saturday, so keep your phants on. :p

[Gwathagor]

--
Tulkas
Aragorn
Olwe
Cirdan
Curufin

++
Shastawolf
Balrog #4
Ingwion
Tar Aldarion
Glorfindel

GK: *Shastawolf (TIG)
DF: Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF: Balrog #4 (ACB)
DF: Ingwion (RV)
DF: Borowolf (TIG)
MF: Aegnor (ACB)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: Tar Aldarion (The Sea)
MF: *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW: Hurin (Hithlum)
FW: *Miriel (Real Valinor) C

[satansaloser2005]

After that abysmal round, it's time for some changes.


Cupkicks
GK *ShastaWolf (TiG) (Captain, my captain)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TiG)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF NogWight (Eriador)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF NerWight (TiG)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW Aredhel (Tirion)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)

Hopefully that maths out correctly. I won't be checking the Downs again today, so if anything's wrong, Phantom, call me. I had to do it pretty quickly, and I put a lot of stake in a few teams, so I hope I don't get shafted during this round of play. :/

[the phantom]

The first games of Round 3 will be up within 12 hours and the rest will follow. Move fast if you want to get any trades in.

[Galadriel55]

I had to do it pretty quickly, and I put a lot of stake in a few teams, so I hope I don't get shafted during this round of play. :/

I put quite a stake in TIG, so it better win. I pretty much told TP in the back-up instructions for my absence to pick a player from TIG if anything. But it looks like this team has prospects. :cool:

[Nerwen]

Seems I missed this round– I’ve been without internet for a few days, and before that the site wouldn’t let me post. Ah well.

[the phantom]

Ah, yes, tech difficulties. We love those!

You can make a few trades that don't involve players that have played already if you wish, Nerwen.

(Groups A & C have played thus far)

[Nerwen]

Thanks, tp, but I really don’t have time right now, anyway.

[the phantom]

As we so often do, we’ll begin by showing how many points there were to be gained with the perfect alignment.

The Perfect Team
GK TarAtanamir (Armen)- 6
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel) C- 10
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 7
DF *Gwaihir (MMts)- 8
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
MF Nessa (RealV)- 6
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 8
MF Mahtan (Tirion)- 8
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 8
FW Tuor (Gondolin)- 8
FW *Maeglin (Gondolin)- 7
TOTAL = 94

And here is how everyone fared. Let me know if there’s a mistake on any of these.

Lynch Mob
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 2
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 10
DF Ingwion (RealV)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF TarAldarion (Sea)- 0
FW *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW Hurin (Hithlum)- 0
FW *Miriel (RealVal) C- 3
TOTAL = 38

Atashi no Negai
GK Hyarmendacil (Sea)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 10
DF TarTelperien (Armen)- 2
DF *Ulmo (Sea)- 2
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 3
MF *Elros (Armen)- 5
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW Finrod (Narg)- 7
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
FW *Miriel (RealV) C- 3
TOTAL = 48

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Tilion (RealV)- 7
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 7
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
MF Boromir II (Anduin)- 4
MF Angrod (ACBel)- 1
MF *Elros (Armen)- 5
FW TarMinastir (Sea)- 4
FW Eldacar (Gondor)- 4
FW Orome (RealV)- 4
TOTAL = 54

The Mooncrazed Remixed
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- 2
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 2
DF Balrog #4 (ACBel)- 10
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 8
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 0
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 4
TOTAL = 42

Noggportunistics
GK Amroth (Anduin)- 2
DF Rochallor (ACBel)- 3
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Ulmo (Sea)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 0
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 8
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
FW Aredhel (Tirion)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 8
FW *Miriel (RealVal)- 3
TOTAL = 51

Cupkicks
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG) C- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 7
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW Finrod (Narg)- 7
FW Aredhel (Tirion)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
TOTAL = 43

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Amras (Tirion)- -1
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 7
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
MF Morwen (Hithlum)- -1
MF Nessa (RealV)- 6
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)- -1
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 4
TOTAL = 33

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 7
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Uinen (Sea)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
MF Nienor (Narg)- 0
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C- 4
FW ArPharazon (Armen)- 4
FW Nerdanel (RealV)- 0
TOTAL = 38

Salt and Smoke
GK TarAtanamir (Armen)- 6
DF Uinen (Sea)- 2
DF GaladriWight (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 2
DF *Varda (Imladris)- -1
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 3
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW *Glaurung (Narg)- 4
FW *Scatha (Wilder)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 8
TOTAL = 43

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (DwUnt)- 2
DF Nienna (RealV)- 4
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 2
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 2
DF Alatar (BDur)- 0
MF *Elwe (Doriath)- 5
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) C- 5
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 3
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 8
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 3
TOTAL = 43

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 4
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 2
DF Uinen (Sea)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
MF Cirdan (Havens)- 3
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF Idril (Gondolin)- 3
FW *Miriel (RealV) C- 3
FW *Smaug (Erebor)- 4
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)- 4
TOTAL = 41

The Uncloakables
GK Marach (ACBel)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 8
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Aragorn (Eriador) C- 2
DF Luthien (InterBel)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 5
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 8
MF Argon (FCVal)- 4
FW *Gothmog (Angfaug)- 3
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
TOTAL = 45

Round 3 Points
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 54
Noggportunistics- 51
Atashi no Negai- 48
The Uncloakables- 45
Salt and Smoke- 43
FC Monkey Stink- 43
Cupkicks- 43
Mooncrazed Remixed- 42
Wilwa’s Winners- 41
Unnamed Horror- 38
Lynch Mob- 38
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 33

Point Standings After 3rd Round
Atashi no Negai- 160
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 146
Noggportunistics- 137
Lynch Mob- 135
Mooncrazed Remixed- 130
The Uncloakables- 123
Cupkicks- 119
Unnamed Horror- 113
Wilwa’s Winners- 113
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 109
FC Monkey Stink- 108
Salt and Smoke- 102

Ah, but don’t forget about those group predictions you all made. Before we award the points, there are a few things worth pointing out in the predictions.
Everyone called Real Valinor and Eriador advancing.
Only one person didn't call TIG advancing.
Only two people didn't call Valimar, Armenelos, AC Beleriand, Barad-Dur, or FC Valinor.
Only Inzil, Boro, and Wilwa had Gondolin advancing.
Only Morm, Boro, and Wilwa had Misty Mts advancing.
Only Boro and Morm got Group E correct.
Only Legate and Nog got Group H correct.
Only Legate got Group F correct.
Legate had the most group-winners correct, with 7 of 8.
Nog got the most total points.

27 pts- Nog
25 pts- Legate & Wilwa
21 pts- Nilp & Shasta
20 pts- Gwath
19 pts- Galadriel
18 pts- Nerwen & Morm & Boro
16 pts- Sally
4 pts- Inzil

Which means the points standings are…

Total Point Standings Before Playoffs
Atashi no Negai- 181
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 164
Noggportunistics- 164
Lynch Mob- 155
Mooncrazed Remixed- 151
Wilwa’s Winners- 138
Cupkicks- 135
Unnamed Horror- 132
The Uncloakables- 127
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 127
Salt and Smoke- 127
FC Monkey Stink- 126

Our biggest positive movers this round—Wilwa leaped up four spots, and Nog moved up two spots. And if everything was added correctly, it seems there is a huge pile-up at the back. And to see how close it is, if any of them had 12 more points they’d be in the top half of the standings instead of in the rear.

And speaking of being close, it seems Nilp is the only one not interested in it. He has grown his lead to 17 points. But of course that’s not insurmountable by any means…

[the phantom]

You are allowed six stars.

You are allowed seven trades. (It doesn't matter how many times you swap out players- what matters is that the team you end up with must have FOUR players that are on your squad currently.)

You can also gain bonus points for correctly predicting the winner in each playoff match (one point per game). The match-ups are...

Arnor vs Valimar

Angband vs AC Beleriand

Tirion vs Real Valinor

Misty Mts vs FC Valinor

Barad-Dur vs Eriador

Hithlum vs Nargothrond

Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

Anduin vs Armenelos

(In case you wondered, winner of the top match (Arnor-Valimar) faces winner of second match (Angband-AC) and so on down the line for the next round.)

[Gwathagor]

Gwath and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad round. Yuck.

[satansaloser2005]

I am very disappointed in a certain NogWight.... :smokin:

I'll hopefully make my changes by the end of the week. I definitely need some work....

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GK Hyarmendacil (The Sea)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Tar-Telperiën (Armenelos)
DF *Ulmo (The Sea)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Elros (Armenelos)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW *Míriel (Real Valinor) (C)

--GK Hyarmendacil
++ GK *ShastaWolf

--DF Balrog #4
++DF Aragorn

--DF Tar-Telperiën
++DF Barahir

--DF *Ulmo
++DF *Námo

--MF *Elros
++ MF *PhantomWolf

--FW *Míriel
++FW *Arien

Atashi no Negai Second Season
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Barahir (Nargothrond)
DF *Námo (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW *Arien (Valimar)

Predictions
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/predictions-matchday-4_zps565cf679.png~original

[Inziladun]

Ok, let's make a few changes...

--DF Luthien (Inter Beleriand)
++DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
--FW *Gothmog (Angfauglith)
++FW *Witch King (Arnor)
--FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)
++FW *Maeglin (Gondolin)


GK- Marach (AC Beleriand)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
MF *Phantomwolf (TIG)
MF Hador (Hithlum) (C)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
FW *Witch King (Arnor)
FW *Maeglin (Gondolin)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)

Captaincy change to Hador.

Match Predictions:

Arnor vs Valimar- Arnor

Angband vs AC Beleriand- Angband

Tirion vs Real Valinor- Real Valinor

Misty Mts vs FC Valinor- FC Valinor

Barad-Dur vs Eriador- Eriador

Hithlum vs Nargothrond- Hithlum

Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth- TIG

Anduin vs Armenelos- Armenelos

[Nogrod]

I am very disappointed in a certain NogWight.... :smokin:Me too!

I thought in the beginning I would not sign him in to my team but then he started performing really well (second best in phantasy-points after Elrond in team Eriador) and suddenly it seemed like an option as a non-starred midfielder... and what did I earn from him? Zero points. :( :rolleyes:


Btw. there will be some crazily hard to predict games on the next round. Fun!

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Sorry I missed the last round. Caught me in the middle of moving. Hopefully I didn't do too badly. :)

[Nogrod]

Time to make changes... those underlined are kicked out.

GK - Amroth (Anduin)

DF - Rochallor (AC Beleriand)
DF - BoroWolf (T-I-G)
DF - *Ulmo (The Sea)
DF - *Morgoth (Angband)

MF - NogWight (Eriador)
MF - Hador (Hithlum)
MF - *Yavanna (FC Valinor)

FW - Aredhel (Tirion)
FW - *Arien ( Valimar)
FW - *Miriel (Real Valinor) C



In their stead I'll be hiring the following players.

GK - Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)

DF - Vana (Valimar)
DF - Aragorn (Eriador)
DF - * Tilion (Real Valinor)

MF - Argon (FC Valinor)

FW - ** Fëanor (AC Beleriand)



Which will result in the following team:


Noggportunistics

GK – Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)

DF – Vana (Valimar)
DF – Borowolf (TIG)
DF – Aragorn (Eriador)
DF – *Tilion (Real Valinor)

MF – Argon (FC Valinor)
MF – Hador (Hithlum)
MF – *Yavanna (FC Valinor)

FW - ** Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
FW – *Arien (Valimar) C
FW – *Miriel (Real Valinor)



~*~

My bets for the winners of the first play-off round will be (winners bolded):


Valimar beats Arnor.

AC Beleriand has the better off Angband in a real fight.

Real Valinor proves tougher than Tirion in the end.

FC Valinor gives Misty Mountains no chance.

Eriador denies Barad-Dûr and wears them down.

From a real thriller against Nargothrond Hithlum emerges triumphant.

T-I-G has to give their best to beat Gondolin - and they deliver.

Anduin has not what it takes to beat Armenelos and loses.



PS. To ever hope catching Nilp one must play differently - alea iacta est! :cool:

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Changed my prediction in Anduin v Armenelos to Armenelos.

[Nerwen]

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Tilion (RealV)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FCVal)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF Nessa (RealV)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)
FW *Arien (Valimar)
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C

Changing to 4-3-3

-- DF Amras (Tirion)
-- MF Morwen (Hithlum)

++ DF *Tilion (RealV)
++ FW *Arien (Valimar)



Predictions:

Arnor vs Valimar

Angband vs AC Beleriand

Tirion vs Real Valinor

Misty Mts vs FC Valinor

Barad-Dur vs Eriador

Hithlum vs Nargothrond

Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

Anduin vs Armenelos

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Amazing what happens when you're trying to write predictions.

--DF Barahir
++DF Maglor

Atashi no Negai Second Season
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF *Námo (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW *Arien (Valimar)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Salt and Smoke
GK TarAtanamir (Armen)- 6
DF Uinen (Sea)- 2
DF GaladriWight (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 2
DF *Varda (Imladris)- -1
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 3
MF NogWight (Eriador)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 5
FW *Glaurung (Narg)- 4
FW *Scatha (Wilder)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 8
TOTAL = 43
Okay, this certainly does not add up, one way or the other. I am really really bad at maths, so I am not even trying to count how many points should I get per each person, but the result does not add up, and also, shouldn't I get double points for Arien? Same goes for Nog, I think, who copied my move and has her as her captain as well ;) (Not that I want to continue feeding him points, but...)

In any case, this round in total looks MUCH better than the previous ones! I'm on the rise, watch out! (Hope it continues that way...)

Only Legate and Nog got Group H correct.
Only Legate got Group F correct.
Legate had the most group-winners correct, with 7 of 8.

And, yay! Pity about the one guess, but who would have thought Angband...

Updates to team and predictions coming soon...

[Boromir88]

Man, I keep having good rounds and still seems like I'm losing ground. :rolleyes:.

Quick prediction time:

Arnor vs Valimar
Angband vs AC Beleriand
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Misty Mts vs FC Valinor
Barad-Dur vs Eriador
Hithlum vs Nargothrond
Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Anduin vs Armenelos

Trades:

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF *Tilion (RealV)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF Boromir II (Anduin)
MF Angrod (ACBel)
MF *Elros (Armen)
FW TarMinastir (Sea)
FW Eldacar (Gondor)
FW Orome (RealV)

----

--DF *Tilion
--DF *Fingolfin
--DF *Morgoth
++DF Tar Telperien
++DF Vana
++DF *Eonwe


--MF Boromir II
++MF *Beleg

--FW Tar Minastir
--FW Eldacar
--FW Orome
++FW Ar Pharazon
++FW Celegorm
++FW **Feanor

-----

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Tar Telperien (Armen)
DF Vana (Valimar)
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)
MF Angrod (ACBel)
MF *Elros (Armen)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
FW Celegorm (FCVal)
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C

Switching captain to Feanor

[Galadriel55]

Predictions:

Arnor vs Valimar
Angband vs AC Beleriand
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Misty Mts vs FC Valinor
Barad-Dur vs Eriador
Hithlum vs Nargothrond
Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Anduin vs Armenelos

Unnamed Horror

--Uinen (Sea)
--Nienor (Nargothrond)
--Nerdanel (Real)

++*Namo (Valimar)
++Nessa (Real)
++Hurin (Hithlum)

GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF *Namo (Valimar)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF NerWight (TIG)
MF Nessa (Real)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C
FW ArPharazon (Armen)
FW Hurin (Hithlum)

[Nogrod]

Okay, this certainly does not add up, one way or the other. I am really really bad at maths, so I am not even trying to count how many points should I get per each person, but the result does not add up, and also, shouldn't I get double points for Arien?I did a recount of your points (also checking the initial points given) and it is hard to end up with any other result but the 43 points given (including Aria's points doubled).

Goalkeeper = 6 points
Defence = 2+2+2-1 = 5 points
Midfield = 3+0+5 = 8 points
Forwards = 4+4+(2x8) = 8+16 = 24 points

6+5+8+24 = 43


It's nice to see the game becoming tighter along with the matches... some of the last games will be just killers to predict and getting predictions wrong means having redundant players in one's team not picking you points, while correct picks might earn you hugely - so I'd say everything's open...

[Shastanis Althreduin]

I'll get my stuff up today, sorry about the delay.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I did a recount of your points (also checking the initial points given) and it is hard to end up with any other result but the 43 points given (including Aria's points doubled).

Oh right. Thanks. As I have said, I suck at maths. Somehow I did not realise that tp did not write the double in the list of numbers, but still counted it that way. Now it adds up. Good.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Mooncrazed Remixed
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Balrog #4 (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF Arveleg (Eriador)
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal) (C)


Predictions:

Arnor vs Valimar
Angband vs AC Beleriand
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Misty Mts vs FC Valinor
Barad-Dur vs Eriador
Hithlum vs Nargothrond
Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Anduin vs Armenelos

I didn't have to make any trades, so I think we're just going to let the team be for now. How many from each team can we have on our squad again?

[Gwathagor]

Phantom, how many trades do we get next round?

[the phantom]

You can have three players from a team, but once the semifinals arrive you can have four.

You are allowed four trades before the quarters, four trades before the semis, then three trades ahead of the finals.

If your captain is eliminated and you don't assign a new one, the lowest active player on your roster becomes your default captain. If you miss making both trades and predictions in a round you are allowed an extra trade the following round.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

If you miss making both trades and predictions in a round you are allowed an extra trade the following round.This is purely a hypothetical question, and I don't plan on pulling this stunt anytime soon (because, for one thing, I don't think the extra trade can offset the lack of prediction points), but . . . can you miss the trade deadline on purpose and get that extra trade?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Here it comes.

--DF Uinen
--DF Varda
--MF NogWight
--FW Scatha

++FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
++DF *Tilion (Real Val)
++MF Ingwë (Valimar)
++DF Estë (Valimar)

So we get:

Resalted and Resmoked

GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)
DF *Tilion (Real Val)
DF GaladriWight (TIG)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Estë (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Ingwë (Valimar)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW *Glaurung (Nargothrond)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW *Arien (Valimar) -> C

And as for group predictions:

Arnor vs Valimar
Angband vs AC Beleriand
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Misty Mts vs FC Valinor
Barad-Dur vs Eriador
Hithlum vs Nargothrond
Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Anduin vs Armenelos

[the phantom]

This is purely a hypothetical question, and I don't plan on pulling this stunt anytime soon (because, for one thing, I don't think the extra trade can offset the lack of prediction points), but . . . can you miss the trade deadline on purpose and get that extra trade?
I suppose if someone believes one extra trade is worth zero activity the previous round they can try it. But like I said, they're only allowed the extra trade if they make no trades and make no predictions the previous round, so they'd automatically be giving up a chance at 8 points in predictions, so to break even they'd have to be confident they would make those points up with their extra trade (plus any points they might lose not being able to switch their captaincy or swapping out an optimal player etc.).

[Gwathagor]

--
Shastawolf
Maglor
Ingwion
Tar Aldarion
Hurin
Miriel

++
Huan
Aragorn
Vana
PhantomWolf
Turin
Finrod

GK: *Huan (FC Valinor) C
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: Vana (Valimar)
DF: Balrog #4 (ACB)
DF: Borowolf (TIG)
MF: Aegnor (ACB)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: *PhantomWolf (TIG)
FW: *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW: **Turin (Hithlum)
FW: Finrod (Nargothrond)


Valimar beats Arnor
ACB beats Angband
RV beats Tirion
FCV beats Misty Mts
Eriador beats Barad-dur
Hithlum beats Nargothrond
TIG beats Gondolin
Anduin beats Armenelos

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Mooncrazed Remixed
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Balrog #4 (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF Arveleg (Eriador)
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal) (C)

--Balrog #4 (ACBel)
--Arveleg (Eriador)

++*Fingolfin (ACBel)
++*Glorfindel (Eriador)

The Mooncrazed Reloaded
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal) (C)


Now that I've thought about it. Now I'm good.

[satansaloser2005]

Gah. Sorry about the delay. I will have my stuff up tomorrow evening, I swear.

[satansaloser2005]

Changing the recipe a bit. My last batch was....

GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
MF NogWight (Eriador)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW Finrod (Narg)
FW Aredhel (Tirion)
FW *Curufin (FCVal)

Which changes to....

GK *ShastaWolf (TiG)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TiG)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF NerWight (TiG)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW **Feanor (AC Bel)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) (C)



And now prediction time, with winners in bold. Hedging my bets just a bit....

Arnor vs Valimar
Angband vs AC Beleriand
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Misty Mts vs FC Valinor
Barad-Dur vs Eriador
Hithlum vs Nargothrond
Gondolin vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Anduin vs Armenelos

[Boromir88]

Sorry all, I've had some computer/posting issues and now my desktop has died one me and that held basically all of my Arda Cup stuff. I've got my laptop but it's still going to take me several hours since I also have some unexpected duties...here I thought I could enjoy the first college football Saturday and finish my matches. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I'm posting the TIG-Gondolin score to get it up for you and will fill in the story sometime later today. Thanks for waiting patiently.

[the phantom]

Here's the best possible alignment for the last round...

The Perfect Squad +8
GK Grishnakh (BDur)- 6
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 4
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 4
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
MF *Beleg (Hithlum) C- 8
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 5
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 5
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 7
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 8
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 7
TOTAL = 78

Here is how everyone fared in the first round of playoffs. Let me know if you see an error.

Lynch Mob +8
GK *Huan (FCVal) C- 6
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 3
DF Vana (Valimar)- 2
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- -1
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 5
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 7
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 8
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)- 3
TOTAL = 57

Atashi no Negai +7
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 3
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 4
DF *Namo (Valimar)- 2
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 5
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 1
FW Finrod (Narg) C- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 7
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 7
TOTAL = 50

We Didn't Start the Fire +7
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF TarTelperien (Armen)- 2
DF Vana (Valimar)- 2
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 3
MF Angrod (ACBel)- 3
MF *Elros (Armen)- 5
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 8
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 4
FW ArPharazon (Armen)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 4
TOTAL = 53

The Mooncrazed Remixed +7
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 6
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- 3
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 3
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 8
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 5
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 1
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- -1
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 7
TOTAL = 52

Noggportunistics +8
GK TarAtanamir (Armen)- 4
DF Vana (Valimar)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 3
DF *Tilion (RealV)- 2
MF Argon (FCVal)- 1
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 5
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 7
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 3
TOTAL = 54

Cupkicks +7
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 3
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 3
MF TarMiriel (Armen)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 1
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW Finrod (Narg)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 7
TOTAL = 45

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom +7
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Tilion (RealV)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- -1
MF Nessa (RealV)- 3
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 1
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 7
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 7
TOTAL = 51

Unnamed Horror +8
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Namo (Valimar)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- -1
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
MF Nessa (RealV)- 3
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C- 7
FW ArPharazon (Armen)- 3
FW Hurin (Hithlum)- 6
TOTAL = 49

Salt and Smoke +7
GK TarAtanamir (Armen)- 4
DF *Tilion (RealV)- 2
DF GaladriWight (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 3
DF Este (Valimar)- 1
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 0
MF *Ingwe (Valimar)- 3
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 1
FW *Glaurung (Narg)- 3
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 7
TOTAL = 44

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (DwUnt)-
DF Nienna (RealV)- 2
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 3
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 4
DF Alatar (BDur)- 4
MF *Elwe (Doriath)-
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) C- 1
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- -1
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 7
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 3
TOTAL = 24

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 4
DF Celeborn (Anduin)- 0
DF Uinen (Sea)-
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- -1
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 4
MF Idril (Gondolin)- 0
FW *Miriel (RealV) C- 3
FW *Smaug (Erebor)-
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)- 3
TOTAL = 20

The Uncloakables +6
GK Marach (ACBel)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- -1
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 3
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)- 2
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 5
MF Hador (Hithlum) C- 5
MF Argon (FCVal)- 1
FW *WitchKing (Arnor)- 3
FW *Maeglin (Gondolin)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 7
TOTAL = 48

Round 1 Playoff Points
Lynch Mob- 57
Noggportunistics- 54
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 53
Mooncrazed Remixed- 52
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 51
Atashi no Negai- 50
Unnamed Horror- 49
The Uncloakables- 48
Cupkicks- 45
Salt and Smoke- 44
FC Monkey Stink- 24
Wilwa’s Winners- 20

Wow- everyone was quite tightly bunched that round! And now onto the standings-- Nilp is still in the lead, but his nearest competitors all inched closer that round, including Nog who has hopped Boro for 2nd. Meanwhile in the second wave Galadriel has risen to the front and Shasta finds himself between the two groups. We shall see if anyone can bridge the gap...

Total Point Standings
Atashi no Negai- 231
Noggportunistics- 218
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 217
Lynch Mob- 212
Mooncrazed Remixed- 203
Unnamed Horror- 181
Cupkicks- 180
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 178
The Uncloakables- 175
Salt and Smoke- 171
Wilwa’s Winners- 158
FC Monkey Stink- 150

[the phantom]

You are allowed seven stars (and one white tree).

You are allowed four trades.

You can gain bonus points (2 per match) for correct predictions in the quarterfinals, which are as follows...

AC Beleriand vs Valimar

Real Valinor vs FC Valinor

Eriador vs Hithlum

Armenelos vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

(Note: If Morm or Wilwa show they are allowed an extra trade this round.)

[Inziladun]

--DF BoroWolf (TIG)
++DF *NilpWolf (TIG)
--DF *Morgoth (Angband)
++DF *Namo (Valimar)
--FW *Witch King (Arnor)
++FW *Arien (Valimar)
--FW *Maeglin (Gondolin)
++FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)


GK- Marach (AC Beleriand)
DF *Namo (Valimar)
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
MF *Phantomwolf (TIG)
MF Hador (Hithlum) (C)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
FW *Arien (Valimar)
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)


PREDICTIONS:

AC Beleriand vs Valimar- Valimar

Real Valinor vs FC Valinor- Real Valinor

Eriador vs Hithlum- Eriador

Armenelos vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth- TIG

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF Barahir (Nargothrond)
DF *Námo (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Finrod (Nargothrond) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW *Arien (Valimar)

--DF Aragorn
++DF Balrog #4

--DF *Námo
++DF *Fingolfin

--FW Finrod ( :( )
++FW **Fëanor

--FW *Arien
++FW Nerdanel

Atashi no Negai W
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW **Fëanor (AC Beleriand) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW Nerdanel (Real Valinor)

Predictions
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/predictions-matchday-5_zps6d11ac3a.png~original

[Galadriel55]

Eriador, TIG, FC Val, and Valimar for next round.

--Ar Pharazon
--*Morgoth
--Hurin
--Nerwight

++*Arien
++*Beleg
++Celegorm
++Asfaloth

Unnamed Horror
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF *Namo (Valimar)
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Nessa (RealV)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C
FW *Arien (Valimar)
FW Celegorm (FC Val)
XQ White Tree (I'm allowed!)

[Nerwen]

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Arwen (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FCVal)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF *phantomwolf (TiG)
MF Nessa (RealV)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Inzilwolf (TIG)
FW *Arien (Valimar)
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C

— MF Aegnor (AC Bel)
++ *phantomwolf (TiG)

— GK *Shastawolf (TiG)
++ *Huan (FC Val)

— DF *Tilion (Real Val)
++ DF Arwen (Eriador)

— FW Thuringwethil (TiG)
++ FW *Inzilwolf (TiG)



Predictions:
AC Beleriand vs Valimar

Real Valinor vs FC Valinor

Eriador vs Hithlum

TiG vs Armenelos

[Shastanis Althreduin]

I'll get to this in a little bit, guys. This has been a housecleaning day for me.

[Nogrod]

Making just three changes this round...

-- GK Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)
-- DF Vana (Valimar)
-- MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)

++ GK Huor (Hithlum)
++ DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
++ MF *PhantomWolf (T-I-G)

Which leads up to...


Noggportunistics

GK – Huor (Hithlum)

DF – Borowolf (TIG)
DF – Aragorn (Eriador)
DF – *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF – *Tilion (Real Valinor)

MF – Argon (FC Valinor)
MF – Hador (Hithlum)
MF – * PhantomWolf (T-I-G)

FW – **Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
FW – *Arien (Valimar) C
FW – *Miriel (Real Valinor)


As to predictions for the quarterfinals...

AC Beleriand beats Valimar
Real Valinor proves the better of FC Valinor
Eriador will not be able to match Hithlum
Armenelos will finally suffer in the hands of Tol-in-Gaurhoth

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I'll just pass this on to the manager. Oh, there he's now. (Applause to whoever can identify the source of the quote, and even bigger if you can supply the appropriate following response.)

GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)
DF *Tilion (Real Val)
DF GaladriWight (TIG)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Estë (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Ingwë (Valimar)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW *Glaurung (Nargothrond)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW *Arien (Valimar) -> C

--GaladriWight
--Glaurung
--Ancalagon

++DF Balrog #4 (AC Bel)
++okay, okay, FW *Curufin. Sheesh. (FC Val)
++FW **Fëanor (AC Bel)

So, we get:

SALT AND SMOKE
GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)
DF *Tilion (Real Val)
DF Balrog#4 (AC Bel)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Estë (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Ingwë (Valimar)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW **Fëanor (AC Bel)
FW *Arien (Valimar) -> C

Predictions:

AC Bel vs Valimar
Real Val vs FC Val
Eriador vs Hithlum
Armenelos vs TIG

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Mooncrazed Reloaded
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal) (C)

-------------
-- *Glorfindel (Eriador)
-- Aragorn (Eriador)
++ *NilpWolf (TIG)
++ *PhantomWolf (TIG)
-------------

The Mooncrazed Revamped
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) (C)
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal)


ACBel beats Valimar
FCVal beats Real Val
Hithlum beats Eriador
TIG beats Armenelos

[the phantom]

We've hit a bit of a delay here as our writers are dealing with a host of complications- surgery, internet outage, moving, new work, etc. We will be moving again as soon as possible.

[Boromir88]

I'll at least get a team and predictions up to keep everything moving...

AC Beleriand vs. Valimar - AC Bel
Real Valinor vs. FC Valinor - FC Val
Eriador vs. Hithlum - Hithlum
Armenelos vs. TIG - TIG

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF TarTelperien (Armen)
DF Vana (Valimar)
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)
MF Angrod (ACBel)
MF *Elros (Armen)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
FW Celegorm (FCVal)
FW ArPharazon (Armen)
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C

----

--MF Angrod
--*MF Elros
--FW Ar Pharazon

++MF Argon (FCVal)
++MF NerWight (TIG)
++FW **Turin (Hithlum)

-----

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF TarTelperien (Armen)
DF Vana (Valimar)
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)
MF Argon (FCVal)
MF NerWight (TIG)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
FW Celegorm (FCVal)
FW **Turin (Hithlum)
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C

[Gwathagor]

AC Bel vs Valimar = AC Beleriand
FC Val vs Real Val = FC Valinor
Eriador vs Hithlum = Hithlum
Armenelos vs TIG = Tol In Gaurhoth

--
Vana
Turin
Finrod

++
Balrog #5
Inzilwolf
**Feanor

GK: *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF: Aragorn (Eriador)
DF: Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF: Balrog #4 (ACB)
DF: Borowolf (TIG)
MF: Aegnor (ACB)
MF: *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF: *PhantomWolf (TIG)
FW: *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW: *Inzilwolf (TIG)
FW: **Feanor (ACB) C

[satansaloser2005]

GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
MF TarMiriel (Armen)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW Finrod (Narg)
FW **Feanor (AC Bel)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)

--Balrog #5
--TarMiriel
--Finrod

++Maglor (FC Val)
++*Yavanna (FC Val)
++Nerdanel (Real Val)


GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF Aragorn (Eriador)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FC Val)
MF *Yavanna (FC Val)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW Nerdanel (Real Val)
FW **Feanor (AC Bel) C
FW *Curufin (FC Val)


AC Beleriand vs Valimar
Real Valinor vs FC Valinor
Eriador vs Hithlum
Armenelos vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

[the phantom]

Here's the best possible alignment for the last round...

The Perfect Squad +8
GK Huor (Hithlum)- 6
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 8
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel) C- 10
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 4
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 6
MF Ulrad (ACBel)- 6
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 8
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
FW Miriel (RealV)- 4
FW ArPharazon (Armen)- 4
TOTAL = 86

Here is how everyone fared in the quarterfinals. Let me know if you see an error.

Lynch Mob +8
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 2
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 4
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 3
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 8
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 3
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- -1
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 2
TOTAL = 50

Atashi no Negai +6
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 3
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 10
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 8
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 2
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 3
FW Nerdanel (RealV)- 3
TOTAL = 49

We Didn't Start the Fire +8
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF TarTelperien (Armen)- -1
DF Vana (Valimar)- -1
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 8
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 6
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 0
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 2
TOTAL = 39

The Mooncrazed Remixed +8
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- 4
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 10
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 6
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C- 8
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 3
TOTAL = 61

Noggportunistics +6
GK Huor (Hithlum)- 6
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 10
DF *Tilion (RealV)- -1
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 8
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 2
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 0
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 4
TOTAL = 46

Cupkicks +6
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 10
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 2
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 0
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW Nerdanel (RealV)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 2
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 3
TOTAL = 43

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom +4
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 10
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 8
MF Nessa (RealV)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 0
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- -1
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 3
TOTAL = 43

Unnamed Horror +4
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 10
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF *Namo (Valimar)- 0
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 1
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 6
MF Nessa (RealV)- 0
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C- 3
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 0
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 0
TOTAL = 42

Salt and Smoke +2
GK TarAtanamir (Armen)- 0
DF *Tilion (RealV)- -1
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 3
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 4
DF Este (Valimar)- 0
MF TarMíriel (Armen)- 0
MF *Ingwe (Valimar)- 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 2
FW *Arien (Valimar) C- 0
TOTAL = 13

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (DwUnt)-
DF Nienna (RealV)- -1
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 4
DF Arwen (Eriador)- 2
DF Alatar (BDur)-
MF *Elwe (Doriath)-
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador) C- 0
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- 4
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 0
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 4
TOTAL = 13

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 6
DF Celeborn (Anduin)-
DF Uinen (Sea)-
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 8
DF *Morgoth (Angband)-
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF Idril (Gondolin)-
FW *Miriel (RealV) C- 4
FW *Smaug (Erebor)-
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)- 4
TOTAL = 29

The Uncloakables +2
GK Marach (ACBel)- 6
DF *Namo (Valimar)- 0
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Aragorn (Eriador)- 2
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)- -1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 8
MF Hador (Hithlum) C- 1
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
FW *Arien (Valimar)- 0
FW *Miriel (RealV)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 3
TOTAL = 30

Quarterfinal Playoff Points
Mooncrazed Remixed- 61
Lynch Mob- 50
Atashi no Negai- 49
Noggportunistics- 46
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 43
Cupkicks- 43
Unnamed Horror- 42
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 39
The Uncloakables- 30
Wilwa’s Winners- 29
Salt and Smoke- 13
FC Monkey Stink- 13

Several folks pushed their totals north of 200 points, while Nilp managed to edge ahead of a couple of his rivals, and Gwath hopped Boro in his quest to catch the leader. But the big mover was Shasta, who is now tied for second place.

Total Point Standings
Atashi no Negai- 280
Mooncrazed Remixed- 264
Noggportunistics- 264
Lynch Mob- 262
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 256
Unnamed Horror- 223
Cupkicks- 223
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 221
The Uncloakables- 205
Wilwa’s Winners- 187
Salt and Smoke- 184
FC Monkey Stink- 163

[the phantom]

You are allowed eight stars.

You are allowed three trades.

You can feature four players from a team instead of three.

You can gain bonus points (3 per match) for correct predictions in the semifinals, which are as follows...

AC Beleriand vs FC Valinor
Hithlum vs Tol In Gaurhoth

(Note: If Morm or Wilwa show they are allowed an extra trade this round.)

[Inziladun]

Ach. Could have been worse, but it definitely could have been better. :rolleyes:

--DF Aragorn (Eriador)
++DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
--FW *Arien (Valimar)
++FW **Turin (Hithlum)
--FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)
++ FW *Inzilwolf (TIG)


GK- Marach (AC Beleriand)
DF- *Namo (Valimar)
DF- *NilpWolf (TIG)
DF- Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF- *Tilion (Real Valinor)
MF- *Phantomwolf (TIG)
MF- Hador (Hithlum) (C)
MF- Argon (FC Valinor)
FW- **Turin (Hithlum)
FW- *Inzilwolf (TIG)
FW- *Curufin (FC Valinor)

FC Valinor over AC Beleriand
Hithlum over TIG

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW **Fëanor (AC Beleriand) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW Nerdanel (Real Valinor)

--MF Tar-Míriel
++MF Argon

--MF *Glorfindel
++MF Hador

--FW Nerdanel
++FW **Túrin

Atashi no Negai S
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) (C)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
FW **Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Túrin (Hithlum)

Predictions
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/predictions-matchday-6_zps19e99768.png~original

Traditionally, semifinals is where I come a cropper, turning from contender to Arsenal. So if any of you want to win this, all you have to do is make sure you don't do worse than I. :Merisu:

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Is it telling that over 50% of my points come from betting on Balrog#4 and Balrog#5? Well, if only I had such good eye for all folks, not just the black horses... I mean... whatever.

Need to do a major overhaul. Guess I need to figure out how to make it as major as possible with only three trades...

--GK Tar-Atanamir
--MF Ingwë
--FW Arien

++GK *Huan (FC Val)
++MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
++FW *InzilWolf (TIG)

Therefore, we have:

SALT AND SMOKE (AND CANINES)
GK *Huan (FC Val)
DF *Tilion (Real Val)
DF Balrog#4 (AC Bel)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Estë (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW **Fëanor (AC Bel) -> C
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)

Predictions:
Hithlum over TIG
FC Val over AC Bel

[Nogrod]

Nice to see the 'Downs working again... and the points, the points... d'uh!

But after Nilp there are four players competing for the second place within 8 points... that's one goal for a captain others don't have or a goal and assist for a midfielder. That's close!

Fun.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Nice to see the 'Downs working again... and the points, the points... d'uh!

But after Nilp there are four players competing for the second place within 8 points... that's one goal for a captain others don't have or a goal and assist for a midfielder. That's close!

Fun.

Oh, Nog, you're not fooling anyone. :p You were also sixteen points behind the leader coming into the semifinals last time around. And we all know what happened.

(I won't even have the benefit of 10 extra points this time, cos Boro [169] and Shasta's [161] $100 million lead are too big for me [147] to catch up.)

(Oh, Gwath [148] and Nog [147] are also in the top five. These scores are unofficial, though.)

[Nerwen]

Well, I’m back, she said.

I’ll try and get my team ready by tomorrow.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Well, I’m back, she said.

I’ll try and get my team ready by tomorrow.

Same. Except I'm a he.

[Nerwen]

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Eonwe (FC Val)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FCVal)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF Nessa (RealV)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)
FW Eol (ACBel) (C)
FW *Curufin (FCVal)

— DF Arwen (Eriador)
— MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
— FW *Arien (Valimar)

++ DF *Eonwe (FC Val)
++ MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
++ Eol (AC Bel)

Predictions:
TiG to beat Hithlum.
AC Bel to beat FC Val.

[Nogrod]

Off goes:
DF *Tilion (RealV)
FW *Arien (Valimar)
FW *Miriel (RealV)

Bringing in Eönwe, Thuringwethil and Túrin the team will be:


Noggportunistics

GK Huor (Hithlum)

DF BoroWolf (T-i-G)
DF Aragorn (Eriador) - redundant
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF *Eönwe (FC Valinor)

MF Argon (FC Valinor)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (T-i-G)

FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand)
FW Thuringwethil (T-i-G) C
FW **Túrin (Hithlum)


And the predictions are as follows:

AC Beleriand wins FC Valinor.
Hithlum wins Tol In Gaurhoth on penalties.



With Nilp having a secure lead and picking up all the "obvious" players to score points I need to gamble with something - which is trusting on Thuringwethil... all or nothing it is then. :eek:

[Galadriel55]

Sorry for the delay. Busy times and no internet. :(

FC Val and TIG win.

--Elrond
--Nessa
--Arien

++Turin
++Huan
++Nerwight

Unnamed Horror
GK *Huan (FC Val)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF *Namo (Valimar)
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Nerwight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C
FW **Turin (Hithlum)
FW Celegorm (FCVal)

[the phantom]

If you're going to make trades or predictions, get them up fast. The writers will be posting the semifinals in the next 2 or 3 days.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Mooncrazed Remixed
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C
MF Aegnor (ACBel)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal)

- Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
- Aegnor (ACBel)

++ *Eonwe (FCVal)
++ SallyWight (TIG)

The Mooncrazed Re-evaluated
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C
MF SallyWight (TIG)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FCVal)


FC Valinor and Tol-in-Gaurhoth to win.

[Gwathagor]

FC Valinor beats AC Beleriand
TIG beats Hithlum

--Aragorn
--Aegnor
--Inzilwolf

++Maglor
++Angrod
++Turin

GK: *Huan (FCV)
DF: Maglor (FCV)
DF: Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
DF: Balrog #4 (ACB)
DF: Borowolf (TIG)
MF: Angrod (ACB)
MF: *Yavanna (FCV)
MF: *PhantomWolf (TIG)
FW: **Turin (Hithlum) C
FW: *Curufin (FCV)
FW: **Feanor (ACB)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Who's your captain, Gwath? Still Fëanor?

[satansaloser2005]

A few changes are certainly in order. Don't take it personally, Nerwen, dear. I just think we need a little more offensiveness in our offense, and when it comes to being offensive, you can't beat Phantom. (For the record, I've no idea how football really works.)

--Aragorn
--*Glorfindel
--NerWight
--Nerdanel

++*Eönwe (FC Val)
++Hador (Hithlum)
++*PhantomWolf (TIG)
++Thuringwethil (TIG)

GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF *Eönwe (FC Val)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FC Val)
MF *Yavanna (FC Val)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) (Captain Offensive)
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)
FW **Feanor (AC Bel)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)


FC Val and the pack to move forward.

[Gwathagor]

Thanks for reminding me, Nilp. That's very sportsmanlike.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

A few changes are certainly in order.Meine schatze, unfortunately I must tell you that that was one change too many.

[satansaloser2005]

Meine schatze, unfortunately I must tell you that that was one change too many.

Goodness gracious. Thanks, beloved. I must have read the wrong post. Fortunately that's remedied easily enough. I'll keep NerWight after all, making my team as follows.

GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF *Eönwe (FC Val)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FC Val)
MF *Yavanna (FC Val)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)
FW **Feanor (AC Bel) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)


Victory still goes to FC Val and TIG.

[the phantom]

Here's the best possible alignment for the last round. As you can see, not a ton of points to be collected, so assigning the captaincy and making predictions has become more important than ever.

The Perfect Squad +6
GK Marach (ACBel)- 6
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 2
DF Rochallor (ACBel)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 3
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 4
MF SallyWight (TIG)- 5
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 7
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 8
TOTAL = 56

Here is how everyone fared in the quarterfinals. Let me know if you see an error.

Lynch Mob +3
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 0
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- -1
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
MF Angrod (ACBel)- 2
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 4
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 8
TOTAL = 28

Atashi no Negai +6
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 0
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
MF Argon (FCVal)- 3
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C- 4
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 8
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 3
TOTAL = 38

We Didn't Start the Fire
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- -1
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 3
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 3
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 8
TOTAL = 33

The Mooncrazed Remixed +3
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 0
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 0
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C- 4
MF SallyWight (TIG)- 5
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
TOTAL = 25

Noggportunistics +3
GK Huor (Hithlum)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Aragorn (Eriador)-
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 3
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 8
FW Thuringwethil (TIG) C- 3
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 3
TOTAL = 33

Cupkicks +3
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 0
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 0
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 0
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 8
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
TOTAL = 30

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom +6
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 0
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 0
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
MF Nessa (RealVal)-
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 4
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 7
FW Eol (ACBel) C- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
TOTAL = 32

Unnamed Horror +3
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Namo (Valimar)-
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)-
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 0
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF NerWight (TIG)- 0
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C- 0
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 3
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 3
TOTAL = 18

Salt and Smoke
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 2
DF *Tilion (RealV)-
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 2
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- -1
DF Este (Valimar)-
MF TarMíriel (Armen)-
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)-
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 8
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 7
TOTAL = 29

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (DwUnt)-
DF Nienna (RealV)-
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- -1
DF Arwen (Eriador)-
DF Alatar (BDur)-
MF *Elwe (Doriath)-
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)-
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF Aegnor (ACBel) C- 0
FW *Arien (Valimar)-
FW *Miriel (RealV)-
TOTAL = -1

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 6
DF Celeborn (Anduin)-
DF Uinen (Sea)-
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)-
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF *Yavanna (FCVal) C- 0
MF Idril (Gondolin)-
FW *Miriel (RealV)-
FW *Smaug (Erebor)-
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)-
TOTAL = 8

The Uncloakables
GK Marach (ACBel)- 6
DF *Namo (Valimar)-
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 0
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)-
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 4
MF Hador (Hithlum) C- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 3
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 3
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 7
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 0
TOTAL = 25

Semifinal Playoff Points
Atashi no Negai- 38
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 33
Noggportunistics- 33
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 32
Cupkicks- 30
Salt and Smoke- 29
Lynch Mob- 28
Mooncrazed Remixed- 25
The Uncloakables- 25
Unnamed Horror- 18
Wilwa’s Winners- 8
FC Monkey Stink- -1

Nilp was able to pad his lead this round. Now we will see if he can hold everyone off. Here's how it stands going into the finals...

Total Point Standings
Atashi no Negai- 318
Noggportunistics- 297
Lynch Mob- 290
Mooncrazed Remixed- 289
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 289
Cupkicks- 253
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 253
Unnamed Horror- 241
The Uncloakables- 230
Salt and Smoke- 213
Wilwa’s Winners- 195
FC Monkey Stink- 162

[the phantom]

You are allowed NINE stars.

You are allowed THREE trades.

You can sign FOUR players from a single team.

You can gain bonus points (4 per match) for correct predictions in the finals, which are as follows...

Bronze Match:
Hithlum vs FC Valinor

Championship Match:
AC Beleriand vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth

(Note: If Morm or Wilwa show they are allowed an extra trade this round.)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) (C)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
FW **Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Túrin (Hithlum)

--MF Hador
++MF *Yavanna

Atashi no Negai Abnormal
GK *ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)
MF *Phantomwolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) (C)
MF *Yavanna (FC Valinor)
FW **Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Túrin (Hithlum)

Predictions
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/predictions-matchday-7_zpsf120db22.png~original

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

(Disclaimer: All of these are unofficial, of course.)

Boro's winning the $100 million dollar team. I won't bother posting the list cos the only one who's close is Shasta, and it isn't. (198 with 7 active players for Boro v 186 with 8 for Shasta.)

Coming into the final matchday, here are the phantasy points leader (per position):

FW
Túrin (HTH) 29 - Zil, morm, G55
Curufin (FCV) 25 - Shasta, Gwath
Fëanor (ACB) 25 - Sally, Nilp, Legate, Boro, Nerwen, Wilwa

MF
PhantomWolf (TIG) 27
Beleg (HTH) 25
Argon (FCV) 23
Hador (HTH) 22
Yavanna (FCV) 20 - Zil, Shasta, Gwath

DF
Fingolfin (ACB) 25 - Boro, Wilwa
BoroWolf (TIG) 23
NilpWolf (TIG) 22
Eonwe (FCV) 21 - Nilp, Gwath
Draugluin (TIG) 14 - G55, Nerwen
Balrog #5 (HTH) 12 - Legate

GK
Marach (ACB) 26
Huor (HTH) 24
Huan (FCV) 22 - morm, Sally, Nilp, Gwath, Boro, Nerwen
Shasta (TIG) 22

Out of my challengers, Boro can get the most points (15) from these predictions.

Good thing the gap between us is 29. :smokin:

(Name on the trophy!)

[Inziladun]

First off, glad you're all right, Nilp! Very frightening news from your part of the world.


--DF *Namo (Valimar)
++DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
--DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
++DF *Eonwe (FC Valinor)
--FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
++FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand)

GK- Marach (AC Beleriand)
DF- *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF- *NilpWolf (TIG)
DF- Maglor (FC Valinor)
DF- *Eonwe (FC Valinor)
MF- *Phantomwolf (TIG)
MF- Hador (Hithlum)
MF- Argon (FC Valinor)
FW- **Turin (Hithlum) C
FW- *Inzilwolf (TIG)
FW- **Feanor (AC Beleriand)

Captain change to Turin.

Predictions:

Hithlum over FC Valinor

TIG over AC Beleriand

[Boromir88]

Good thing the gap between us is 29.

And that I will go down with this ship (keep my team the same the final round :p)

Predictions though...

Tol-in-Gaurhoth defeats AC Beleriand
FC Valinor defeats Hithlum.

[Galadriel55]

FCVal and TIG to the win.

--Namo
--Asfaloth
--Celegorm

++Feanor
++Maglor
++Balrog#4

Unnamed Horror
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FCVal)
DF Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF NerWight (TIG)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C
FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand)

[Gwathagor]

ACB beats TIG
FCV beats Hithlum

--Huan
++Marach

--Balrog #5
++*Eonwe (FCV)

GK: Marach (ACB)
DF: Maglor (FCV
DF: *Eonwe (FCV)
DF: Balrog #4 (ACB)
DF: Borowolf (TIG)
MF: Angrod (ACB)
MF: *Yavanna (FCV)
MF: *PhantomWolf (TIG)
FW: **Turin (Hithlum)
FW: *Curufin (FCV) C
FW: **Feanor (ACB)

[Nerwen]

Predictions:
AC Beleriand defeats Tol-in-Gaurhoth (though obviously I won’t shed too many tears if I’m wrong...)
FC Valinor defeats Hithlum

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom
GK *Huan (FCVal)
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)
DF BoroWolf (TIG)
DF Maglor (FCVal)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF Nessa (RealVal)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)
FW **Feanor (AC Bel) C
FW *Curufin (FCVal)

—MF Nessa (RealVal)
—FW (Eol) (AC Bel)

++MF Argon (FC Val)
++**Feanor (AC Bel)

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Winners are T-I-G and FC Val. If I haven't gotten my changes in by tomorrow, I'll just roll with the team I'm using.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

GK *Huan (FC Val)
DF *Tilion (Real Val)
DF Balrog#4 (AC Bel)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Estë (Valimar)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW **Fëanor (AC Bel) -> C
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)

--Tilion
--Tar-Míriel
--Glorfindel

++DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
++MF Aegnor (AC Bel)
++MF *Yavanna (FC Val)

Therefore, we get:

THOROUGHLY SALTED AND THOROUGHLY SMOKED
GK *Huan (FC Val)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Bel)
DF Balrog#4 (AC Bel)
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)
DF Estë (Valimar)
MF *Yavanna (FC Val)
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)
MF Aegnor (AC Bel)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW **Fëanor (AC Bel) -> C
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)

Winner predictions:
Let's go with random hunch and bet on the unlikely one here: Hithlum over FC Val
and then the more rationally-based one
AC Bel over TIG

[satansaloser2005]

Winners are T-I-G and FC Val. If I haven't gotten my changes in by tomorrow, I'll just roll with the team I'm using.

What he said.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

I think I am going to trust in my team, actually. But make Phantom the captain if I haven't already.

[Nogrod]

Such cruel choices...

To beat Nilp's twenty-one point lead I'd need to predict the games differently (8 points to gain there). But can I?

Well, I think I have to... even if my brain says the results will be like Nilp says (or at least FC Valinor will win Hithlum - well, T-I-G might really win, but ehh...)


T-I-G beats AC Beleriand
FC Valinor takes a beating by Hithlum


But even if that would go full my way I would still be down thirteen points - and I have already six players in common with Nilp in my team - and there aren't too many choices for some positions to pick differently in a reasoned way, and I have one redundant player in my team, and my current goalkeeper is the worst of the remaining ones and will face a real rain of shots. Blah.

Decisions, decisions...

My bet on Thuringwethil didn't pay off last round and I do have an urge to change her into Curufin (or maybe Eöl to take a more genuine take on the choices). But well, let's bet on T-I-G then for sure and keep her - and keep her as the captain. Go Thuringwethil!

I'll change my goalie as well - but not to Shasta as Nilp has him.

As a back-up surprise plan I'm giving away Hador (with a heavy heart as I think it would have been his turn to shine) in the midfield and look for an Aegnor hat-trick to save me if my game-predictions go down the drain.

So basically I'm predicting other than Nilp but covering myself with a few choices in my team against my predictions of the games - and keeping my thumbs up it works...


That means:
-- GK Huor (Hithlum)
-- DF Aragorn (Eriador)
-- MF Hador (Hithlum)

++ GK Marach (AC Beleriand)
++ DF *Nilpwolf (T-I-G)
++ Aegnor (AC Beleriand)




Noggportunistics

GK – Marach (AC Beleriand)

DF BoroWolf (T-i-G)
DF *Nilpwolf (T-i-G)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF *Eönwe (FC Valinor)

MF Argon (FCValinor)
MF Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
MF *PhantomWolf (T-i-G)

FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand)
FW Thuringwethil (T-i-G) C
FW **Túrin (Hithlum)

[the phantom]

Here's the best possible alignment for the last round.

The Perfect Squad +8
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
DF GaladriWight (TIG)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Indis (FCVal)- 2
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF *Yavanna (FCVal) C- 5
MF NerWight (TIG)- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
FW Hurin (Hithlum)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
TOTAL = 51

Here is how everyone fared in the quarterfinals. Let me know if you see an error.

Lynch Mob +4
GK Marach (ACBel)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 0
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
MF Angrod (ACBel)- 0
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 5
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 3
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
TOTAL = 35

Atashi no Negai +4
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 0
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C- 3
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 5
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 0
TOTAL = 34

We Didn't Start the Fire +8
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 1
DF Balrog #5 (Hithlum)- 0
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
MF NerWight (TIG)- 3
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- 3
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 4
TOTAL = 34

The Mooncrazed Remixed +8
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 1
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 5
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) C- 3
MF SallyWight (TIG)- -1
MF NerWight (TIG)- 3
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
TOTAL = 35

Noggportunistics +4
GK Marach (ACBel)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 1
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- -1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 3
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
FW Thuringwethil (TIG) C- 4
FW **Turin (Hithlum)- 0
TOTAL = 25

Cupkicks +8
GK *ShastaWolf (TIG)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 5
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
MF NerWight (TIG)- 3
FW Thuringwethil (TIG)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
TOTAL = 45

Eleven Pillars of Wisdom +4
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 3
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 4
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
TOTAL = 39

Unnamed Horror +8
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 0
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 5
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF NerWight (TIG)- 3
FW *Curufin (FC Val)- 4
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
TOTAL = 38

Salt and Smoke
GK *Huan (FCVal)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
DF Balrog#4 (ACBel)- 0
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 0
DF Este (Valimar)-
MF *Yavanna (FCVal)- 5
MF *Beleg (Hithlum)- 3
MF Aegnor (ACBel)- -1
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- 4
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 4
TOTAL = 27

FC Monkey Stink
GK Galadriel (DwUnt)-
DF Nienna (RealV)-
DF Balrog#5 (Hithlum)- 0
DF Arwen (Eriador)-
DF Alatar (BDur)-
MF *Elwe (Doriath)-
MF *Glorfindel (Eriador)-
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF Aegnor (ACBel) C- -1
FW *Arien (Valimar)-
FW *Miriel (RealV)-
TOTAL = -2

Wilwa's Winners
GK Marach (ACBel)- 2
DF Celeborn (Anduin)-
DF Uinen (Sea)-
DF BoroWolf (TIG)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)-
MF Cirdan (Havens)-
MF *Yavanna (FCVal) C- 5
MF Idril (Gondolin)-
FW *Miriel (RealV)-
FW *Smaug (Erebor)-
FW Ar Pharazon (Armen)-
TOTAL = 14

The Uncloakables +4
GK Marach (ACBel)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 0
DF *NilpWolf (TIG)- 1
DF Maglor (FCVal)- 5
DF *Eonwe (FCVal)- 2
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 3
MF Hador (Hithlum)- 0
MF Argon (FCVal)- 0
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C- 0
FW *InzilWolf (TIG)- 4
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- 4
TOTAL = 25

Finals Points
Cupkicks- 45
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 39
Unnamed Horror- 38
Mooncrazed Remixed- 35
Lynch Mob- 35
Atashi no Negai- 34
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 34
Salt and Smoke- 27
Noggportunistics- 25
The Uncloakables- 25
Wilwa’s Winners-14
FC Monkey Stink- -2

So, let's see where we stand...

Total Point Standings
Atashi no Negai- 352
Lynch Mob- 325
Mooncrazed Remixed- 324
We Didn’t Start the Fire- 323
Noggportunistics- 322
Cupkicks- 298
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 292
Unnamed Horror- 279
The Uncloakables- 255
Salt and Smoke- 240
Wilwa’s Winners- 209
FC Monkey Stink- 160

Prediction Points

Inzil +5
Forward (Turin)- 5

Sally +10
Forward (Feanor)- 5
Goals (Feanor)- 5

Morm +10
Forward (Turin)- 5
Goals (Turin)- 5

Legate +10
Forward (Feanor)- 5
Assists (Eol)- 5

Nerwen +10
Forward (Feanor)- 5
Assists (Eol)- 5

Galadriel +10
Forward (Turin)- 5
Champion (TIG)- 5

Nilp +15
Forward (Feanor)- 5
Goals (Curufin)- 5
Assists (Eol)- 5

Shasta +15
Forward (Curufin)- 5
Goals (Curufin)- 5
Assists (Yavanna)- 5

Boro +15
Forward (Feanor)- 5
Defender (Fingolfin)- 5
Goals (Turin)- 5

Gwath +15
Forward (Curufin)- 5
Goals (Curufin)- 5
Assists (Yavanna)- 5

Wilwa +25
Forward (Feanor)- 5
Defender (Fingolfin)- 5
Goals (Turin)- 5
Assists (Yavanna)- 5
Champ (TIG)- 5

(The 10 point award for winning the 100 million team trophy is awaiting review from the total-checkers, but it's safe to say it is between Shasta and Boro. Those two ran away with it, 30 pts clear or more from their nearest competitors. Whoever takes the win will move into 2nd place overall.)

EDIT: The count and recount is in, and Boro has narrowly taken the ten bonus points and finishes second in the overall standings.

FINAL PHANTASY STANDINGS
Atashi no Negai- 367
We Didn't Start the Fire- 348
Lynch Mob- 340
Mooncrazed Remixed- 339
Noggportunistics- 322
Cupkicks- 308
Elven Pillars of Wisdom- 302
Unnamed Horror- 289
The Uncloakables- 260
Salt and Smoke- 250
Wilwa’s Winners- 234
FC Monkey Stink- 170

All hail Nilp, winner of this year's Phantasy Trophy! He took the lead in the very first round and never let it go, becoming (I believe) the first ever wire-to-wire champion. What a splendid performance!

[Galadriel55]

Way to go Nilp! :D What a game!

And whoa, wilwa! That's some pretty good predicting!

Last but not least, GO TIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[satansaloser2005]

The one year I doubt myself when I think to pick TiG....

But hey, a good year for me, I think! Congratulations to all, and especially my beloved champion. :)

[Inziladun]

Ah well, I'm slowly improving, I think. :D

Congrats to Nilp for the win, and thanks to all those who helped make this happen. I'm already looking to next year!

[the phantom]

As the winner Nilp is allowed to negotiate a free-agent contract with one of next year's squads, so probably no NilpWolf on next year's TIG squad.

But we do know that there will be a LegateWolf on next year's roster, as Legate has taken Inzil's consolation prize from last year. The only thing up for debate is whether Mr. Legate would rather play as a forward or as a defender. (Morm or Wilwa would have been awarded the prize, but they were missing too often to qualify.)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

As the winner Nilp is allowed to negotiate a free-agent contract with one of next year's squads, so probably no NilpWolf on next year's TIG squad.

But we do know that there will be a LegateWolf on next year's roster, as Legate has taken Inzil's consolation prize from last year. The only thing up for debate is whether Mr. Legate would rather play as a forward or as a defender. (Morm or Wilwa would have been awarded the prize, but they were missing too often to qualify.)By some coincidence, LegateWight and InzilWolf are both on my first and second team all-Arda (respectively). More on that later.

(NilpWolf as well. Tehe. (^_~)-\ )

[Gwathagor]

Great win, Nilp!

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Brightly woven, Nilp!

Seems like my predictions and tips this time around weren't very good, but certainly enjoyable stuff... and looking forward to next time. And also, well! In the sense of having one's name as part of the winning team, and all that, that's definitely a consolation enough.

Splendid!