DKs CSFR series 08 -- Praha [Final Results]

[I AM NATO]

Christmas tree map, I took every ones widows and lost the game, red won, how does that work!

[Dukasaur]

Christmas tree map, I took every ones widows and lost the game, red won, how does that work!

It's an Assassin game. You have to kill your own target. Did you kill red's target by mistake?

[Dukasaur]

Creative Component (to the tune of Good King Wenceslas)
"Every day I roll the dice, hoping for some six-es,
And every day they just get worse, and my cards are never mix-es.
Why do I keep on playing this game, flat rate and escala-ting?
I'd surely have a lot more fun drinking beer and masturba-a-ting....."

The game's called Conquer Club and if, my time runs low I'm frantic.
I joined a clan and play the game, with those who are fa-na-tic.
I roll the dice and move my troops, and kill and plun-der spoils.
I sit so long sed-en-tary, my ass de-vel-oped boils.

Creative Component Entry

Praiku

Waiting for my turn
I desesperate
But then Duka sets a new game

Ork boss Petee last looked out
On the feast of Praha
When the foes lay round about
Fought and dead and beaten
Greatly were the dice rolled that night
Though the cards were cruel
When a poor foe came in sight
losing through the duel

Another one that came in via PM:

"Bring me flesh, and bring me blood, that is all that matter
Thou and I shall see all fight, in glorious battle"

roll me in pls, thanks

The haiku is nice but doesn't fit the assignment. 1 point
Zbynja's entry is very nice also but too short. 1 point
I had a very hard time deciding between aspalm's entry and mackadoo's. The first had three errors in metre, forcing in just too many syllables and making it clunky to sing. (A actually made my wife sing all of these while I hummed the harmony.) Therefore, in a photo finish, mackadoo comes out just a tiny bit ahead of aspalm. Aspalm gets third place for 1 point while mackadoo gets second place for 3 points.

The overall winner is Peteee, winning 5 points!

After reconsidering and doing a couple more readings, I've decided to make it a tie for 2nd place. Aspalm and mackadoo both get 3 points.


Next round of games is imminent, as soon as I can find the time. Sunday at the latest, but sooner I hope.

[Dukasaur]

Risk_Averse, unfortunately, has not been on CC since December 4th, and will have to be removed from the tournament. It's sad; Risk_Averse has played in many, many of my tournaments and I consider him a regular. I hope he's just on vacation or something and will return. Meanwhile, the show must go on.

We now have 48 players.

[Dukasaur]

2nd Assassination games have been created and invitations sent.

[Dukasaur]

show: 2nd Assassination Jaromir 1035

You have 7 days to post your opinion.

[morleyjoe]

The history of Jaromír is remarkable. It is well known about his incredible accomplishments all around the world. He brought to his homeland many great things, including lots of gold and bronze, and many silver chalices. He is loved for his outstanding success, and is worshiped in many cities. He achieved many goals and assisted so many others in succeeding with theirs. Jaromír's uncanny ability to come through in the end when it mattered the most is why he is a legend amongst his peers. All that he has accomplished is amazing, and now that I have learned he did this while being both castrated and blind, is even more remarkable than one could ever imagine. And to now hear about his death, it saddens me. He was just short of passing the Golden Brett, for third place in all time goals. He undoubtedly will find a place among legends in the hockey hall of fame. All hail Jaromír!

[Mageplunka69]

in please and ty

[Dukasaur]

Thetiger has missed 2 invites and is removed from the tournaments. If I had hope that he was going to be around I would have tried for a 3rd, but he seems to have been offline for a week so I have to move on.

in please and ty

Mageplunka69 has agreed to stand reserve and will get the tiger's slot.

TheRhino3 has also agreed to be a reserve and will be up next if another vacancy opens.

[Dukasaur]

So far only one person has attempted the Creative Component for this Phase. I'm sending out a special PM and adding a little time to the clock. You have until about 12:40 tomorrow.

[MyTurnToWin]

show: 2nd Assassination Jaromir 1035

You have 7 days to post your opinion.

Jaromir lay in his cell listening to the approaching footsteps. Instinctively he knew an assassin would soon end his life. When he lost his eyes a remarkable thing happened; his hearing increased a hundred fold. Unlike the castration which caused only incredible pain, remorse and anger. Now with his death just minutes away he reflected on the failed attempts at being king. The losses of men in battle. The humiliation of losing the small land holdings. He had been stubborn rather than thoughtful. He had sought revenge rather than diplomacy. He had not learned from his mistakes and forged ahead over and over in a futile attempt to be king. He suspected his legacy for the people he longed to rule would not be a good one. If he could do it over again what would he do different? Before he could sort out his thoughts the knife plunged deep into his heart. The serving girl found his body later that day when she brought his soup. She shook her head. "What a foolish man. Life is more important than being king. Life is about living each day and enjoying the people in your life."

[waauw]

After the collapse of the Roman empire, most of the continent had fallen into division and despair. Jealous noblemen, petty kings and unbecoming cruelty marked an era that would later be known as the dark ages. Jaromir's ill-begotten fate was terrible, but not unusual for the middle ages. Peace and stability in history were often led by great empires, not by minor and medium sized kingdoms, especially not those in divided central europe. Jaromir's struggle with neighbouring nations and eventual bow to the early Holy Roman Empire was only logical as was his resolve for ambition. In his zeitgeist the only answer to violence was more violence or docility. Ironically his own brother treated him alike, two apples from the same tree.

Whatever's worst castration, blinding or death? I can't say. The manner of execution is what matters. A torturous death, an infected wound and crude cutting are all equally horrifying.

[aspalm]

At first glance one might feel sympathy for Jaromir, or at least admire his resiliency. However, what other choice did he have? A life of exile or non-nobility is not a life at all at this point in history. One might as well give everything he has (or every part of his body) towards the cause, no matter how futile, for the alternative was equally hellish. Therefore I grant him no empathy. After all, 99% of the people he "ruled" suffered just as much in their daily lives as he did in his privileged one.

As far as which is worse: castration, blindness or death? Well one is inevitable (death), and one men sign up for every day (marriage/castration). So I guess that leaves blindness as the worst fate.

[CatchersMitt14]

show: 2nd Assassination Jaromir 1035

You have 7 days to post your opinion.

From Jaromir's perspective I think the worst thing that happened to him was being killed. Unlike the other punishments, death was the only one that rendered him unable and unsuccessful in completing his mission. Jaromir attempted (with little success) to navigate the politics and rules of war (if any) during the hight of the Middle Ages. While being castrated and losing his sight must have been extremely difficult both physically and psychologically, they were a common punishment during these times. Every time Jaromir built himself back up and attempted to regain his position and territory he did it with full knowledge of the fate that awaited him if he failed.

I do admire him for his persistence, it takes a significant amount of mental fortitude and resilience to rebound after such traumatic injuries to the body. It is difficult to put myself in his shoes. Living in today's world I look back on the methods used for torture and punishment during the Middle Ages with horror but during that time they would consider them normal. I would like to think that if I grew up immersed in their culture and ways that I would be able to overcome such difficulties but I am not sure. In my opinion the only way Jaromir could have achieved a 'good' outcome for his life would be to win his battles. Barring that, he is left with being classified as a rebel and enemy of the state or living the rest of his life in exile. Neither of those options would lead to a comfortable or even pleasant life for Jaromir; really his best option was to fight for his side.

[Peteee]

Pah! Jaromir was weak and foolish. None of these "punishments" would have stopped an Ork. We relish the pain! We have no nutz to chop off in the first place. Blindness, merely means we get to smell our enemies better. And as for death - well if our cause was righteous then Gork will ensure death was only a flesh wound.

"Be quiet,warboss Peteee. Let the sensible half speak".

A period of European history I am not fully aware of. Jaromir to me comes across as rather misguided and perhaps after the first punishment should have stepped aside. But that is viewing the situation through 21st century eyes. To me castration has to be the ultimate punishment - having no children to carry on my line or avenge me.

However, the following quote from Sir Terry Pratchett may well show that Jaromir is still the victor.

"A man is not dead while his name is still spoken" - Going Postal, chapter 4, prologue.

[Captn B]

Creative component: Put yourself in Jaromir's shoes. What do you think is worst: being castrated, being blinded, or being killed? Why? Do you think you would have given up politics and retired to the country after the first incident? Do you think Jaromir was very unlucky, or did he deserve everything he got?

lol @ Peteee.

Interesting questions, Duk.

What do I think is worse? I believe that I'd probably think being blinded was worse. Don't get me wrong. I sincerely appreciate me gonads, but I could still get around to do my politics if I had no testes (however, I understand that eunuchs often lose a lot of their personal drive-to-accomplish as a result of castration). And I suppose that if I'm dead (and IF there is no afterlife--since he was working soo hard in THIS life to get what he wanted), then I would not be capable of caring that I was gone. But living with blindness, not being able to see those I wish to serve, unable to read my opponents' faces or look into their eyes to see their intents, nor being able to read all the non-verbals that my family, friends, and enemies may telegraph--that would be a true disadvantage to my purposes.

Would I have given up? Absolutely! I'm not a political person who wants to run my agenda, so if I was penalized by being made to sing soprano, then I'd head for the hills asap. But I'm not Jaromir. He HAD to run his game. After the first incident, I'd be gone. But Jaromir had to see it through, regardless of the consequences. That is an advantage of being separate people, all having different motivations and purposes. Thus he accomplished so much more in his life, than I will ever accomplish in mine.

Those who are great (in any field) will act on their ability and purpose, whether they are paid well or even if they receive negative payment (punishment). Look at any of the excellent sportsmen: Wayne Gretzky, Wilt Chamberlain, Mario Andretti, Pele, Shaq... they would all still play their games whether paid or not. It was just in them.

Just as it was in Jaromir to strive for his cause.

Was he unlucky or did he deserve it? Who can say? History is recorded by the victors, thus it is skewed--not always truthfully reported. For him, Jaromir's own perspectives and goals forced him to continue, against great odds. The powers that be are never anxious to willingly forfeit their leadership positions, so he must have expected retaliation. Maybe I agree with MyTurnToWin's Serving Girl's statement:

"What a foolish man. Life is more important than being king. Life is about living each day and enjoying the people in your life."

But that would be how I felt and exhibit what I believed.

Jeromir's quest for greatness, on the other hand, caused him to be dedicated to his cause and he could not do anything else--regardless of the consequence.

[Dukasaur]

Wow! Some really good responses there!

Peteee, very funny. I wasn't the only one that responded with a lol. Waauw, a good sense of history. Morleyjoe, a great job of thinking outside the box and catching us with a surprise ending. Captn B, a great Summation.

I was hard-pressed to decide on a winner. In the end, I've picked MyTurnToWin as being just a tiny bit above the rest, with a response that succeeds both in empathizing with Jaromir's suffering and at the same time giving what would be the modern view of it.

I decided on a tie for 2nd place. Captn B with the most complete analysis, and morleyjoe with his humorous approach. Everyone else, great job also!

I hope everyone is enjoying this ride through Czech history as much as I am!

[Silly Knig-it]

I know there must be a scoreboard but I have been back and forth on the thread and cannot find it.

[Dukasaur]

I know there must be a scoreboard but I have been back and forth on the thread and cannot find it.

Not yet. Soon.

[Dukasaur]

Settings for First Interlude

Luxembourg
4 Players
Terminator
No Spoils
Foggy
Sequential
Chained

CSFR 1
6 players
Foggy
Terminator
Flat rate
Parachute

CFSR2
6 Players
Sunny
Standard
Flat Rate
Chained

HRE
Poly 4
Foggy
Flat Rate
Chained

Fractured China
Poly 3
Foggy
Flat Rate
Chained

[Dukasaur]

I know there must be a scoreboard but I have been back and forth on the thread and cannot find it.

Not yet. Soon.

And here it is:
Click here for the scoreboard.

Scoreboard has been compiled and is current to today's date. The above link is also in the OP, under "Scoring."

There were four games still active. Games incomplete for today's scoreboard update:

Game 16199519

Game 16199534
Game 16199529
Game 16199528

[Dukasaur]

So, today we resume our journey. I apologise for the month-long delay since the last phase began. Things were very hectic for me in real life, with several snowstorms to keep me busy. Also, on the Conquer Club front we had things like Whac-a-Mod and the 10th Anniversary celebration to attend to. Anyway, better late than never, and I have finally found some time to update this tournament properly.

First, there is finally a scoreboard link.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sqMgZ48N7dHCqhl0yGp_aORwhkWKOgAHaJD4PsKceWU/edit?usp=sharing
The scoreboard has been updated and is current to today. There are still four ongoing games in the 2nd Assassination, but the 1st Assassination is all done and I can announce the first prize winner: Molespe has won the first of many prizes in this tournament, crushing the opposition in the 1st Assassination to walk away with a 3-month premium award.

Also, while we are on the topic of scoreboards, creative component scoreboard is here: https://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=215515#p4744157

Today I have launched the next phase, 1st Interlude. The winners of the creative components for the 1st and 2nd phase, Peteee and MyTurnToWin, have chosen the following settings:

show

Games have been created and invitations sent.

For those who are enjoying the history:

show: 1st Interlude Charles IV

Please remember to partake of the creative component!

Creative component: Post a picture of Charles University, Charles Bridge, or any landmark built in the reign of Charles IV, (even if it be outside of Prague). Please be sure to use sources in the public domain and give credit where credit is due. Post your pics NO SOONER than the day I send the first invite in this phase, and no more than 7 days after that.

Creative component scoreboard is here: https://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=215515#p4744157
Game scoreboard is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sqMgZ48N7dHCqhl0yGp_aORwhkWKOgAHaJD4PsKceWU/edit?usp=sharing
List of games and single-phase prize winners is here: https://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=215515#p4744156[/quote]

[Silly Knig-it]

from commons.wikimedia.org through Yahoo images.

[aspalm]

205px-Praha_Charels_bridge_from_Kampa_DSCN1151.JPG (10.65 KiB) Viewed 6380 times

"Praha Charels bridge from Kampa DSCN1151" by I, Sokoljan. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File ... CN1151.JPG

[morleyjoe]

Wenceslas Square with the Jan Palach Memorial.

It was formerly known as Koňský trh (Horse Market) during the founding of the New Town of Prague by Bohemian King Charles IV in 1348. This is a place where many historic events have taken place. A historical Mass was celebrated here in 1848 and was an impulse for a revolution that followed. A demonstration for a voting right was held in 1905. The independent republic Czechoslovakia was declared in the square on October 28th, 1918. The establishing of the Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia was announced here in 1939. An oath of allegiance of the citizens to the German empire was done here in 1942. The end of the World War II was announced at here in 1945. Student Jan Palach burnt himself here in 1969 as a protest against the countries occupation by the armies of the Warsaw pact. This is also where the “Velvet Revolution” began in 1989 and it ended the Communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia.

Photo by MSFOTO, as posted on http://www.panoramio.com/