8.08.2010

Game 3: The Great Misunderstanding of 2010

With me so far?  This is WarGames Con 2010 - just one short week ago - and here's the report for my game against the Order of Etoiles Mortelles, a Witch Hunters army.

CliffNotes: Brent's Daemons against an unknown player with a misunderstanding you may want to comment on.

So I'd just suffered my only loss of the weekend in Game 2 - does that ruin it for you?  It's an idle thought, but obviously you're going to have a general idea of how the rest of the games I report on roll out.  I'll let you know in advance I went 4-1-2 on the weekend; 4 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws.  I hope that doesn't ruin the suspense or anything.  Moving on, I was on the wrong side of the room and in the uncomfortable position of knowing I had to do well or remain there.

I met my opponent, whose name I don't recall and that's driving me a bit nuts... if any of you know him, please leave me a comment.  He traveled to the event with a club from his local area.  I have his roster but I didn't realize his name wasn't on it.
So this game, like many on the weekend, was an objective grab.  I did note Kill Points weren't really a major issue in any of the 7 games, with only one mission using Kill Points to decide either secondary or tertiary points.  That was a bit of a knock for me, since my army invariably kicked the crap out of people but wasn't rewarded for it.  In a sense, I felt I had to work harder for my points than others.

I'm not complaining, simply making an observation.

Anyway, I wasn't worried about the army beating me, but I was nervous about a tie.  Here's what he had:

Canoness x2
Sisters in a Rhino x4
Celestians in an Imolator
Seraphims
Exorcists x3

Naturally The Book of St. Lucius was mass-printed for the occasion.  All in all, a fairly standard Sisters army, effective but hardly dynamic.  Still, my opponent played it well and it frankly worried me.  I still had to kill all those power-armored chicks and bust up their rides.  With all the Faith Points he had available, it was simply a matter of how long it would take.  Too long, I lose, and I'm stuck on the wrong half of the room.

Certainly there's no shame in that but it wasn't what I was trying to accomplish at the event.  I wanted to make a mark as a competitive player... not because I give a SELF-EDIT about it per se, but it would add legitimacy to Strictly Average and that I wanted!  He admits it after all, I see.  The narcissist... and no, I'm not going to get into the 'I know I am but what am I' kinda talk.

Spearhead deployment; he spreads out in his quarter and reserves his Exorcists.  I don't agree with that move, frankly.  I think he would be better served to all reserve or none (probably none with Sisters) but I don't know that he was that familiar with Daemons so I'm not criticizing.  I drop in, spread out my Fiends, and start breaking his toys.

I'm a bit worried about the buildings, since my beast units - which is to say, my Fiends - can't get up there.  I didn't want him dropping a sisters unit on the second floor, as they may have been difficult to shift.  With Acts of Faith, some of my tricks weren't as reliable. 

He make a move for the objective and I'm forced to shift all three Fiends units to deal with it.  I knew I had to destroy the battlegroup completely so he couldn't take refuge in the building, as described above.  Ultimately I did that, but it did take my Fiends away from the battlefield and out of position.

I'm out of pictures - I'm pretty sure I have more but I can't find them now.  No matter: the game was pretty standard but some interesting things happened that bear discussion.

Let's count to 3!


1)  He played a troop-hunt strategy, which made me nervous.  My 4 smallish units were by far my biggest weakness.  I had a tense moment when his Canoness chased my last few Pink Horrors toward an objective.  I couldn't lose those paltry few models or I'd tie, rather than win, and I'd underestimated the effectiveness of the old-style 4E Hero.  She had a 2+ save she could turn Invulnerable and a Strength 6 Power Weapon... all in all, quite the SELF-EDIT.   Luckily, my last Herald finally decided to show up and he blasted her out of the water with Bolt and Gaze.  As far as I'm concerned, that makes up for the lack of luck I'd had all day with making 4-up invulnerable saves with my Tzeentch units!

I hate it that I'd overlooked something so important in a game, but that happens sometimes.

2)  We started getting pressed for time.  I finished all 7 of my games with time to spare, but this one was certainly cutting it close!  We started having to hurry through the last two turns, and frankly that makes me a bit terse.  I'd like to think I'm a good opponent, laid back and chill, but I can't stand to feel rushed and I hate losing games because of time.  He said I was fine and in fairness to myself I probably was, but I certainly wasn't playing to my standards of sportsmanship.  That bothered me no end.

3)  Here's the big one.  The mission basically said that you had to control one objective and contest another to gain the Primary Objective, but the wording confused me.  I'd asked for clarification at some point in Turn 5, but time wasn't on our side so we just moved on.  I kept looking at my sheet to make sure I knew what I was doing.  The game literally came down to the last assault, when a unit of Fiends swarmed and killed a tank and a lone Sister who were trying to sneak on an objective to tie up the game.  I rolled a 5 but wasn't sure where to go.  I examined the board and noted that I controlled two objectives... or was it one?  I really can't remember, but the point is I had to move my Fiends to 'control' the objective I'd just cleared in order to 'contest' it and claim full points.

I know it's confusing - it confused the crap out of me at the time - but I asked my opponent about it, seeking clarification, but all he said was I'd need to make a dangerous terrain test if I wanted to move onto the objective.  I shrugged, said I didn't really need to, and didn't move the models at all.  We started counting up points and almost immediately disagreed on the wording of the primary.  Basically, he was telling me that because I didn't contest the objective that I'd failed to achieve it.  I read it completely differently - as in, a 180 difference!  We had to call a judge over.

I've looked for the mission in my stack of stuff and can't find it, which is frustrating since I wanted to write it verbatim.  Suffice it to say, I was wrong.  I had in fact needed to sweep the Fiends onto the cleared objective to claim full points and hadn't done so.  We chatted and I was allowed to complete my move, gaining the objective.

So, what does everyone think about it?  I'd like to point out my opponent was a perfect sportsman; this wasn't an argument or a scene.  There wasn't a hint of negatively.  The judge felt I should be allowed to make the move, given the obvious misunderstanding over the meaning and the discussion my opponent and I had as the move was being contemplated.  I wasn't trying to backtrack for points or anything silly like that.  Despite what the judge said, I simply put the issue in my opponent's hands.  I told him it was his decision and he would be well within his rights to say he wasn't comfortable with it, since it was a tournament setting.  I wasn't going to guilt anyone over a game.

My opponent shrugged and said he was fine with it, given it was the obvious move to make and I'd clearly misunderstood the parameters.

This was the only incident I had over three days of gaming, and let's face it: it was a minor one.  Still, it was important to me and I appreciate my opponent being a man enough to give me something he didn't have to.  While it didn't effect the points he earned in Game 3, it was the difference between a win and a loss for him.

I talked to JWolf and Darkwynn - Jon and Nick - after the game, explaining what happened.  I wanted them to know I thought my opponent went above and beyond.  Why?  Because I don't think most people would have been that gracious.  Jon actually said he thought I was wrong, that most of the gamers in the room were guys like that and would have done the same thing.

I don't know.  I do know that after I advocated for my mystery opponent they gifted him with a brand new Fantasy Hardback 8th Edition Rulebook, one of a handful of sportsmanship prizes they'd kept back to give out at the judge's discretion.

I've had some bad experiences with dudes in tournaments before, a few of which I've talked about here on Strictly Average (check out Game 3 of the Hard Boyz 2009 Semi-Finals - I'm still irritated about it).  It was great to have something with which to offset that.

14 comments:

Farseer Tim said...

Since you can't remember his name is he NotBrent? Oh...wait. That's me!!
Nevermind.

Brent said...

You're a figment of my imagination, so would you kindly stop following me around? You're scaring the children.

Master Manipulator (every store needs one) said...

You two have children? How screwed up they must be!!!

Chumbalaya said...

Not Brent and Brent cancel out into just Nots. I don't get it.

But seriously, that guys sounds awesome. Good for him. As self-serving as it sounds, I would totally do the same myself given the circumstances.

Also, Brent, I can't seem to find your e-mail addy. Drop me a line if you get the chance, I have a secret project I want you to get in on.

Farseer Tim said...

Since I am part of your imagination, I can't help but follow you around. We are tethered at the mind.

Brent said...

brent@strictlyaverage.com

I'll shoot you a line just in case you're not stopping by for this post.

NotBrent: For you, my email address is notbrentscaresmeandheisnotactuallyfunnierthanme@strictlyaverage.com

Unknown said...

I agree with the judge. I think that there are far more gracious players than there are stinky ones. It sounds like your opponent knew you had him beat and was being ambiguous about it since you didn't notice it, thinking maybe you didn't see it or were scared of the dangerous terrain tests. Once it came out that the objective was unclear he was totally fair in letting you have the move, especially since you discussed it. I would have done the same especially for a level headed friendly opponent. Fair play always trumps 'must win' for me. It's just that the sourpuss players are the LOUD ones that they seem to be in majority. I applaud yours and your opponents sportsmanship. The fact that you even question the issue speaks volumes.

Unknown said...

Your opponent in game 3 was Jake Harai. I love seeing Witch Hunters (even when it's the Mech Sisters kind).

Even though he lost the primary, it looks like he managed to get 18 points from you. I'll call that a moral victory!

Brent said...

Oh sure, Mkerr - that's the way most of the games seemed to go. That's actually one of the things I liked about WarGames Con...

...you could 'win' with minimal points or 'lose' while earning a number!

Most of my games were close, as I recall.

Carlos said...

Yes Brent, Mr. Jake was a gracious player. I am glad to hear about people like that. I had a rather crappy time at 'ard Boyz because of one player pulling the dick move and it is refreshing to know that even in a tournament setting there are still people willing to set aside their need to win to do what is right.

Farseer Tim said...

There is nothing to be scared of and funnyness (is that a word? I guess it is now!) is a matter of perspective.

iamjustyourimagination@gmail.com

P.S. I have heard about a bounty on me. Could I get some details? I might collect if it is enough, that is, if you don't mind.

Brent said...

Funniness is spelled with an 'i' - ha, ha! It's proof you're not me; I never, ever make grammar or basic spelling mistakes!

You're obviously an evil clone, or perhaps a twin separated at birth.

Either way you're taking credit that's mine Mine MINE and I don't appreciate it.

Terminus Est said...

Brent as long as your opponent was cool with it that's matters. He sounds like an awfully cool individual. We need more people like this in the hobby. They can be hard to find at times.

G

Terminus Est said...

Hey I recognize your opponent now. I think is name is something like Jeff Hau. He was a judge at the Necro back when that event was still going on. He has a beautiful army and is a great guy so I'm not surprised he was so cool to play. He lives in Florida by the way.

G

(A new favorite!) Anon: I haven’t even bothered playing a game of 6th yet, cause I have read the rules, and actually understand how they interact with units. I know my armies no longer function how they should, and so I need to change them.

Strictly Average: 'cause 6-inches is all you get.

Stalking Jawaballs since 2009.

Jawaballs: "My butt just tightened up."

Brent, preferred 2-to-1 over Not Brent in a recent, scientific poll.

Brent: emptied the Kool Aid and DRINKING YOUR MILKSHAKE with an extra-long straw.

Unicorns don't exist.

Home of the Stormbuster, the Dyson Pattern Storm Raven.

I'm a comment whore and this whore is getting no play.

Not Brent hurts Brent's feelings.

I think, therefore I blog.

"You should stop writing for everyone else and worry about your crappy blog." - Anon.

Not Brent has been spotted lurking around with a green marker.

He's not like a bad guy from a cartoon, all devious but never quite evil, Not Brent is bad beans, man, bad beans.

Dethtron: "Again I feel obliged to remind you that trying to sound smart only works if you are."

MVB: "I am not one to join the unwashed masses of self-titled 40k experts out there distributing advice from their blogs about exactly how your list should be built..."

Shiner Bock on tap: that's how I choose hotels.

Strictly Average: The Home of Hugs and Gropings.

Don't feed the trolls!

MoD: "Welcome to Brent's head."

Competitive is Consistent.

Dethtron: "...you could use that extra time to figure out a way to get your panties unbunched and perform a sandectomy on your vagina."

Dethtron: “When calling someone an idiot, it's generally best to avoid making grammatical mistakes.”

Warboss Stalin: "You know, if it actually WAS funny, maybe I wouldn't mind."

Mike Brandt: "It's not a successful bachelor party if you don't misplace someone".

"The Master Manipulator (every store needs one): "...now, enough stroking."

Kirby: "I don't know about gropings. Seriously, Brent, keep it in the pants, please."

Loquacious: "No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get Hugs & Gropings or Stalks Jawaballs into Brent's little tribute."

Captain Kellen: "I rate this article a Brent on the Faith Hill to Nancy Pelosi scale!"

Drathmere: "Come for the balls, stay for the Brent? Kind of disturbing, man."

Go no further, lest thee see something thine eyes would fain look past!

Isabelle: "So, thank you for supporting your local and not so local unicorns. A noble gesture like that can show some scared kids out there that they don't have to hide from everyone and it's ok to be who they really are."

There is nothing more interesting than We The People... in all our beautiful, ugly glory!

On Internet Advice: You see, I have an almost religious belief that's it's a huge, colossal waste of time.

...I think I'll call it the Gun Shy Pattern Stormbuster, because after the Internet destroyed my first humble effort, I find I'm a bit worried about the reaction to this one.

Lauby: "Is it left over from that time you thought that you could just complete step one 12 times to meet the mandates of that court order?"

Not Brent: "I guess we'll have to read on and find out. Signed, Not Brent. Especially today."

Cynthia Davis: "I think the scrolling text is from Glen Beck's new book."

Grimaldi: "Spamming certain units creates interesting possibilities but also fatal weaknesses."

Purgatus: "Math can inform decisions. It cannot make decisions."

Thoughts? Comments? Hugs and gropings?

You'd be that much quicker to figure out what I mean when I refer to a Unicorn if I covered it in a rainbow flag.

SinSynn: (To Brent) "Curse you and your insidious influence on the internets..."

Dave G (N++): "You know you're an internet celebrity when your following is more akin to tabloids."

I prefer the term Internet Personality (or IP) myself, seeing as how I coined it.

Lauby: "Your attempt to humanize him as failed. I feel nothing but scorn for his beard - it's like a warcrime or something."

BBF: "I've always thought you are a good player but I finally figured out that you are a great player. It's hard to see sometimes because your personality is engaging, sincere and quite charming - to me that is kind of a rare combination."

'Clearly cheating?' I didn't misspeak: you jumped to conclusions. If you'd like to apologize I'll be happy to send you an autographed picture of my ass.

Ass.

I thought I was doing alright before I realized I was losing.

Age and treachery beats youth and vigor every time.

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