PHANTASY FOOTBALL: Arda Cup 2012

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

How terrible this Arda Cup is? All these unlikely random bunches of Dwarves and other lesser races advance and all the people I've been betting on are losing so disgracefully? I am not saying anything about some random folks here and there, but e.g. Wilderland dropping out compared to the surrounding losers? Seriously, I think all of my team must have dropped out by now. Once there is some comprehensive list after all the teams have finished this round, I am going to have a big job rearranging my team.

[Boromir88]

Apologies it's taken me some time with my groups, I didn't do any preparation or writing at all last week, being occupied with the recent BD wedding.. Group A is up, and Group H on its way.

[Inziladun]

My bunch seems to be enamored of the Yellow Cards this round.

[Eönwë]

So all the players I got rid of scored at least one assist...

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Originally Posted by Eönwë

So all the players I got rid of scored at least one assist...

Yeah, that's what happens when you make changes.

[the phantom]

(Group F results should be up soon, so I'm going to go ahead and put this up.)

This is an update on the 100 Million Dollar competition. Shasta is in the lead with 95 points, but it's a tight race- six others are within 7 points of the lead! Everyone has inactive players on their team now. Nilp and Eonwe have the most players still alive with 10 out of 11.

Following each team is the total thus far in parenthesis and the number of active players remaining on the roster. (Eliminated players should be in italics.)

Shasta
GK Huan (FC Val)- 14
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 5
DF Rumil (Real)- 4
DF Felarof (Rohan)- 9
DF Elwing (Havens)- 1
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 8
MF Gandalf (Rohan)- 5
MF PhantomWolf (TIG)- 10
FW NerWight (TIG)- 11
FW Miriel (Real)- 10
FW Curufin (FC Val)- 18
(95)
9/11

Galadriel
GK ShastaWolf (TIG)- 8
DF Rochallor (AC Bel)- 9
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 5
DF Caradhras (Isengard)- 6
DF Namo (Valimar)- 18
MF Ulrad (AC Bel)- 4
MF Nienor (Hithlum)- 2
MF Galadriel (Wilderland)- 11
FW Mablung (Doriath)- 12
FW Finwe (Tirion)- 11
FW Arien (Real)- 7
(93)
5/11

Team Atashi no Negai (Nilp)
GK Carcaroth (Angband)- 8
DF Rúmil (Real)- 4
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 5
DF Imlach (AC Bel)- 5
DF Uldor (Angband)- 0
MF Argon (FC Val)- 5
MF Beren (AC Bel)- 15
MF Galadriel (Wilderland)- 11
FW Glorfindel (Eriador)- 15
FW Arien (Real)- 7
FW Curufin (FC Val)- 18
(93)
10/11

Eönwë
GK Huan (FC Val)- 14
DF Gethron (Hithlum)- 2
DF Gil-galad (Eriador)- 11
DF Rumil (Real)- 4
DF Butterbur (SBUnt)- 2
MF Beren (AC Bel)- 15
MF Figwit (Imladris)- 1
MF Telchar (DwUnt)- 3
FW Glorfindel (Eriador)- 15
FW Bombadil (SBUnt)- 11
FW Feanor (AC Bel)- 14
(92)
10/11

Winter Is Coming (Boro)
GK Voronwe (Sea)- 6
DF Uldor (Angband)- 0
DF Felarof (Rohan)- 9
DF Malbeth (Eriador)- 9
MF Beruthiel (BDur)- 6
MF Duilin (Gondolin)- 12
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 8
MF Phantomwolf (TIG)- 10
FW Arien (Real)- 7
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)- 15
FW Eol (AC Bel)- 9
(91)
8/11

Gwath
GK Marach (AC Bel)- 10
DF Asfalof (Eriador)- 5
DF Rumil (Real)- 4
DF Uldor (Angband)- 0
MF Beren (AC Bel)- 15
MF Arveleg (Eriador)- 8
MF Pallando (Valimar)- -1
MF Yavanna (FC Val)- 10
FW Miriel (Real)- 10
FW Finwe (Tirion)- 11
FW Curufin (FC Val)- 18
(90)
9/11

Kuru’s Bought & Paid for Offensive Fever Swamp (Kuru)
GK Mumakil (BDur)- 4
DF Frumgar (Anduin)- 3
DF Borondir (Anduin)- 2
DF Haldad (Inter Bel)- 2
DF Gorlim (Inter Bel)- 0
MF Luthien (Doriath)- 8
MF Yavanna (FC Val)- 10
MF Aegnor (Havens)- 8
FW Finrod (Nargothrond)- 15
FW Turin (Hithlum)- 15
FW Sauron (BDur)- 21
(88)
3/11

Monkey’s Dream Team (Morm)
GK Elros (Imladris)- 12
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 5
DF Beechbone (Wilderland)- 1
DF Ulwarth (Angband)- 2
MF Thorin (DwUnt)- -1
MF Tar Aldarion (Sea)- 13
MF Figwit (Imladris)- 1
MF PhantomWolf (TIG)- 10
FW Miriel (Real)- 10
FW Turin (Hithlum)- 15
FW Shelob (Mordor)- 11
(79)
7/11

Nogrod
GK Manwë (Valimar)- 12
DF Rochallor (AC Bel)- 9
DF Araphant (Eriador)- 5
DF Uldor (Angband)- 0
DF Beechbone (Wilderland)- 1
MF Argon (FC Val)- 5
MF Nessa (Real)- 4
MF Elwë (Wilderland)- 12
FW Finwë (Tirion)- 11
FW Miriel (Real)- 10
FW Eöl (AC Bel)- 9
(78)
8/11

$100 Million Special (McCaber)
GK Carcaroth (Angband)- 8
DF Guillen (Nargothrond)- 0
DF Tar Palantir (Armenelos)- 0
DF Oropher (Wilderland)- 2
MF Beren (AC Bel)- 15
MF Nienor (Hithlum)- 2
MF Felarof (Rohan)- 9
MF Haleth (Inter Bel)- 3
FW Curufin (FC Val)- 18
FW Miriel (Real)- 10
FW Witch King (Eriador)- 10
(77)
6/11

Eomer
GK Aradan (Hithlum)- 8
DF Snowmane (Rohan)- 9
DF Gothmog#2 (BDur)- -1
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)- 8
DF Grishnakh (Mordor)- 1
MF Beren (AC Bel)- 15
MF Nienor (Hithlum)- 2
MF Celebrian (Valimar)- -1
FW Feanor (AC Bel)- 14
FW Celegorm (FC Val)- 10
FW Shelob (Mordor)- 11
(76)
5/11

Inzil
GK Carcaroth (Angband)- 8
DF Tar Palantir (Armenelos)- 0
DF Durin (DwUnt)- 4
DF Caradhras (Isengard)- 6
DF Elwing (Havens)- 1
MF Galadriel (Wilderland)- 11
MF Narvi (MMtns)- 8
MF Idril (FC Val)- 5
FW Tar Minastir (Sea)- 10
FW Saucepan Man (Downer)- 11
FW NerWight (TIG)- 11
(75)
5/11

So Sweet, and Only 100 (Million) Calories (Sally)
GK Carcharoth (Angband)- 8
DF Mouth (BDur)- 0
DF Treebeard (Isengard)- 6
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)- 10
MF Daeron (Doriath)- 5
MF SallyWight (TIG)- 2
MF PhantomWolf (TIG)- 10
MF Denethor (AC Bel)- 1
FW Nerdanel (Real)- 3
FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)- 11
FW Maedhros (Inter Bel)- 11
(67)
5/11

Victory at a Price (Nerwen)
GK Carcharoth (Angband)- 8
DF Elwing (Havens)- 1
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 5
DF Oropher (Wilderland)- 2
MF Morwen (Hithlum)- 3
MF Barahir (Nargothrond)- 4
MF Eomer (Rohan)- 6
MF Idril (FC Val)- 5
FW Gwindor (Nargothrond)- 6
FW Curufin (FC Val)- 18
FW Arien (Real)- 7
(65)
7/11

Legate
GK Tar-Atanamir (Armenelos)- 8
DF Tar-Palantír (Armenelos)- 0
DF Brandir (Inter Bel)- 2
DF Fellbeast #1 (Mordor)- -2
MF Rían (Angfauglith)- 0
MF Khamul (SBUnt)- 8
MF Estë (Valimar)- 0
MF Galadriel (Wilderland)- 11
FW NerWight (TIG)- 11
FW Saruman (Isengard)- 4
FW Gothmog (Gondolin)- 18
(60)
2/11

[the phantom]

As always, we'll lead off with the best combination possible-

The Perfect Team
GK Rog (Gondolin)- 6
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 9
DF *Celebrimbor (DwUnt)- 8
DF Malbeth (Eriador)- 5
DF *Namo (Valimar)- 8
MF Duilin (Gondolin)- 7
MF Nazgul #4 (Mordor)- 10
MF Aegnor (Havens)- 8
FW Mablung (Doriath)- 12
FW *Gothmog (Gondolin)- 11
FW *Curufin (FCVal)- 12 C
TOTAL = 108

And here are all the Round 3 points. Feel free to double-check your squad. Nog had a great round with 61, but Nilp was just one point back.

Lynch Mob
GK Theoden (Rohan)- 4
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)- 2
DF Radagast (Rohan)- 5
DF Erestor (Imladris)- 2
DF Penlod (FCVal)- 0
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 3
MF *Galadriel (Wilderland)- 3
MF *Anarion (Gondor)- 5
FW *Bombadil (SBUnt)- 0
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)- 8
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 12
TOTAL = 56

Cupkicks
GK Carcharoth (Angband)- 2
DF Radagast (Rohan)- 5
DF *Morgoth (Angband) C- 2
DF Malbeth (Eriador)- 5
DF Grishnakh (Mordor)- 3
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 3
MF *Beleg (Doriath)- 6
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 3
FW *Smaug (Erebor)- 3
FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)- 0
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)- 8
**star-limit penalty from previous round** (-4)
TOTAL = 38

The North Remembers
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C- 4
DF Girion (Erebor)- 2
DF Radagast (Rohan)- 5
DF *Felarof (Rohan)- 1
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 9
MF Mardil (MTirith)- 3
MF Tar Miriel (Armenelos)- 0
MF Elwe (Wilderland)- 4
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)- 3
FW Eol (ACBel)- 3
FW *Smaug (Erebor)- 3
TOTAL = 41

Atashi no Negai
GK *Elros (Imladris)- 4
DF Erestor (Imladris)- 2
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)- 2
DF Ecthelion (ACBel)- 4
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 9
MF BWight (SBUnt)- 5
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)- 0
MF Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
FW *Finrod (Nargothrond)- 7
FW *Bombadil (SBUnt)- 0
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 12
TOTAL = 60

Uninvited and Uncloaked
GK *Elros (Imladris)- 4
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 2
DF Thorondor (Tirion)- -1
DF Osse (The Sea)- 0
DF Durin (Dwarves United)- 2
MF *Beren (ACBel)- 1
MF *Galadriel (Wilderland) C- 3
MF Arassuil (Eriador)- -1
FW *Finrod (Nargothrond)- 7
FW Fingon (Inter Beleriand)- 3
FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)- 0
TOTAL = 23

Mob Macabre
GK *Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)- 2
DF Balrog #1 (Angband)- 0
DF Ecthelion (AC Beleriand)- 4
DF Nienna (Real Valinor)- 2
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)- 2
MF Elwe (Wilderland)- 4
MF Beruthiel (Barad-dur)- 0
MF *Phantomwolf (TIG)- 3
FW *Hurin (Hithlum) C- 3
FW *Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)- 4
FW Witch King (Eriador)- 3
TOTAL = 30

The Mooncrazed
GK *Huan (FC Valinor)- 2
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)- 2
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)- 2
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)- 9
DF *Felarof (Rohan)- 1
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 3
MF BWight (SBUnt)- 5
MF *Beren (ACBel)- 1
FW Strider (SBUnt)- 4
FW Witch King (Eriador)- 3
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) C- 12
TOTAL = 56

Handy Hippies
GK Uglúk (Isengard)- 4
DF Frumgar (Anduin)- 1
DF Mauhúr (Isengard)- 2
DF Watcher (Misty Mts)- 2
DF Radagast (Rohan)- 5
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)- 0
MF Estë (Valimar)- 0
MF Gorbag (Mordor)- 0
MF *Galadriel (Wilderland) C- 3
MF *Khamul (Shire-Bree United)- 0
FW *Saruman (Isengard)- 0
TOTAL = 20

Wisdom Teeth
GK Carcharoth (Angband)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 2
DF Girion (Erebor)- 2
DF Ecthelion (AC Bel)- 5
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)- 2
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 3
MF *Beren (ACBel)- 1
MF *Galadriel (Wilderland)- 3
FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)- 0
FW Celegorm (FCVal)- -1
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- -1
TOTAL = 17

Noggportunistics
GK *Beorn (Erebor)- 4
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)- 2
DF Landroval (Erebor)- 2
DF Malbeth (Eriador)- 5
DF Erestor (Imladris)- 2
MF Bard (Erebor)- 0
MF Yavanna (FCVal)- 3
MF * Beren (ACBel)- 1
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)- 8
FW *Curufin (FCVal) C- 12
FW *Sauron (BDur)- 10
TOTAL = 61

Kuruharan’s Offensive Fever Swamp
GK Mumakil (Barad-Dur)- 2
DF Frumgar (Anduin)- 1
DF Penlod (FCVal)- 0
DF Haldad (Inter Beleriand)- 0
DF Gorlim (Inter Beleriand)- -1
MF Dain (Erebor)- 0
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)- 3
MF Aegnor (The Havens)- 8
FW **Feanor (ACBel)- -1
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C- 4
FW *Sauron (Barad-Dur)- 10
TOTAL = 30

Kamikaze Warg-Storm Frostdemon Apocalypse
GK- *Ungoliant (Angfauglith)- 4
DF- Balrog#2 (Angfauglith)- 2
DF- Gothmog#2 (Barad-Dur)- -1
DF- Gwaihir (Erebor)- 2
DF- Grishnakh (Mordor)- 3
MF- *Beren (AC Beleriand)- 1
MF- Nienor (Hithlum)- 0
MF- Este (Valimar)- 0
FW- **Feanor (AC Beleriand) C- -1
FW- Celegorm (FC Valinor)- -1
FW- Shelob (Mordor)- 3
TOTAL = 11

Eönwë's Egregious Aggregate
GK Cirdan (The Havens)- 2
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)- 2
DF *Ulmo (The Sea)- 6
DF Tar Palantir (Armenelos)- 0
DF Ecthelion (AC Beleriand)- 4
MF Sador (Hithlum)- 0
MF Haleth (Inter Beleriand)- 0
MF Bard (Erebor)- 0
FW *Glorfindel (Eriador)- 4
FW *Bombadil (SBUnt)- 0
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C- -1
TOTAL = 16

The Wrath of Monkey Stink
GK Tulkas (Real Valinor)- 4
DF Grishnakh (Mordor)- 3
DF Baran (Nargothrond)- 0
DF Galdor (Imladris)- 2
DF Gethron (Hithlum)- 2
MF Elemmakil (Gondolin)- 1
MF Wulf (Isengard)- -1
MF *Anarion (Gondor)- 5
MF Pallando (Valimar)- -1
FW *Miriel (Real Valinor)- 4
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C- 4
TOTAL = 27

Idle Leaves
GK *Elrond (Eriador)- 4
DF Ecthelion (ACBel)- 4
DF Radagast (Rohan)- 5
DF Caradhras (Isengard)- 2
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)- 2
MF *Galadriel (Wilderland) C- 3
MF *Beren (ACBel)- 1
MF Nienor (Hithlum)- 0
FW Boromir I (MTirith)- 0
FW *Curufin (FC Val)- 12
FW *Arien (RealVal)- 4
TOTAL = 40

Round 3 Points

Noggportunistics- 61
Atashi no Negai- 60
The Mooncrazed- 56
Lynch Mob- 56
The North Remembers- 41
Idle Leaves- 40
Cupkicks- 38
Kuruharan’s Offensive Fever Swamp- 30
Mob Macabre- 30
The Wrath of Monkey Stink- 27
Uninvited and Uncloaked- 23
Handy Hippies- 20
Wisdom Teeth- 17
Eönwë's Egregious Aggregate- 16
Kamikaze Warg-Storm Frostdemon Apocalypse- 11

Group Prediction Points

Things were a good bit harder to call this year, but there were still some decent points made.

Only Gwath got Group A correct.

Nine people got Group B correct.

No one got Group C. Kuru was the closest, but he had the positions of Erebor and Dwarves United reversed.

Nilp, Shasta, Gwath, and Kuru got Group D right.

No one got Group E. Inzil & Nilp had The Sea winning it, and only Sally had The Havens advancing at all.

Seven people got Group F correct.

Eonwe & Shasta called Group G correct.

Only Gwath got Group H correct.

Group Prediction Points
Lynch Mob- 23
Atashi no Negai- 21
The North Remembers- 21
The Mooncrazed- 18
Kuruharan’s Offensive Fever Swamp- 18
Wisdom Teeth- 16
Mob Macabre- 16
Noggportunistics- 14
Handy Hippies- 13
Eönwë's Egregious Aggregate- 13
Kamikaze Warg-Storm Frostdemon Apocalypse- 12
Uninvited and Uncloaked- 12
The Wrath of Monkey Stink- 9
Cupkicks- 8
Idle Leaves- 8

Total Point Standings After Group Play

Lynch Mob- 164
Atashi no Negai- 156
The North Remembers- 142
Noggportunistics- 141
The Mooncrazed- 140
Cupkicks- 131
Mob Macabre- 115
Kuruharan’s Offensive Fever Swamp- 109
Kamikaze Warg-Storm Frostdemon Apocalypse- 104
Uninvited and Uncloaked- 104
Idle Leaves- 92
Wisdom Teeth- 90
The Wrath of Monkey Stink- 89
Eönwë's Egregious Aggregate- 83
Handy Hippies- 78

[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...

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Gwath. I will get you.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

By the way, phantom:

44 + 31 + 60 + 21 = 156, not 154.

[the phantom]

Got it counted.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

That is utter filth. My team obviously got cocky after a good second round and totally failed in the next one. Does Spain play only one good game per tournament? Bunch of wasters! No wages for them and they'll be running extra laps all week!

Bah.

[Kuruharan]

That did not go very well...

*heavy sigh*

[Galadriel55]

Idle Leaves

GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Ecthelion (ACBel)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF Caradhras (Isengard)
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)
MF *Galadriel (Wilderland) C
MF *Beren (ACBel)
MF Nienor (Hithlum)
FW Boromir I (MTirith)
FW *Curufin (FC Val)
FW *Arien (RealVal)

--Caradhras
--*Galadriel
--Nienor
--Boromir I
--*Beren

++*Ancalagon
++*Fingolfin
++*Anarion
++Bard
++Yavanna

Idle Leaves

GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Ecthelion (ACBel)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)
MF *Anarion (Gondor)
MF Bard (Erebor)
MF Yavanna (FCVal)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW *Curufin (FC Val) C
FW *Arien (RealVal)


I think the math is correct... and I still have 2 trades.

ETA: winner in bold

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[Nogrod]

*Ahem* Team Noggportunistics just gained 61 pts. from the last round following the suggestions of the AKM's analysis... The new AKM analysis on the play-off round 1 is up so don't miss it if you want to score points!

On another front... bah. My initial overall predictions are always soo bad that even if I gain points during the tournament those initial predictions take others nicely away from my reach. *stares at the pre-group predictions & million dollar teams*


Two questions to tp just to make sure we're all on the same page...

1) still three players from one squad maximum on the first play-off round?

2) how drastically the number of trades is reduced for the quarterfinals?

[the phantom]

Instead of the usual three trades throughout, I believe I will up the number to four allowed trades before the quarterfinals and then down to three for the final two rounds.

The three players per squad will be in place until the quarterfinals are finished.

Also, the star limit will increase by one per round.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Some ch-ch-changes.

GK *Elros (Imladris)
DF Erestor (Imladris)
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)
DF Ecthelion (AC Beleriand)
DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
MF Barrow-wight (Shire-Bree Utd)
MF Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
FW *Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW *Bombadil (Shire-Bree Utd)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) (C)

--GK *Elros
++GK *Huan

--DF Erestor
++DF Radagast

--DF *Fingolfin
++DF Girion

--MF Barrow-wight
++MF Arveleg

--MF Tar-Míriel
++MF *Beren

--FW *Finrod
++FW **Fëanor (C)

Atashi no Negai!!!!
GK *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF Ecthelion (AC Beleriand)
DF Girion (Erebor)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF Gwaihir (Erebor)
MF Arveleg (Eriador)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF *Beren (AC Beleriand)
FW *Bombadil (Shire-Bree Utd)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand) (C)

Predictions:



My prediction of the last game is predicated more on a moment of irrationality than any calculation. But it looks like it would work (as much as any coin-flip would. )

[Inziladun]

-- DF Osse (The Sea)
++ DF *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
-- MF *Galadriel (Wilderland)
++ MF Duilin (Dwarves United)
-- FW *Finrod (Nargothrond)
++ FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
-- FW Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
++ FW *Gothmog (Gondolin)
-- FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)
++ FW Mablung (Doriath)


GK- *Elros (Imladris)
DF- *Morgoth (Angband)
DF-Landroval (Erebor)
DF- *Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF- Durin (Dwarves United)
MF- *Beren (AC Beleriand) (C)
MF- Duilin (Dwarves United)
MF- Arassuil (Eriador)
FW- *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW- *Gothmog (Gondolin)
FW- Mablung (Doriath)

Predictions:

Angband over Minas Tirith

Doriath over Eriador

Imladris over Erebor

FC Valinor over The Havens

The Sea over Real Valinor

Dwarves United over Rohan

AC Beleriand over Gondolin

Shire-Bree United over Gondor

[Gwathagor]

FCV beats The Havens
RV beats The Sea
Angband beats Minas Tirith
ACB beats Gondolin
Erebor beats Imladris
Eriador beats Doriath
Rohan beats DU
Gondor beats SBU

--Radagast
--Erestor
--Yavanna
--Galadriel
--Bombadil

++Ecthelion
++Malbeth
++Arveleg
++Beren
++Feanor

GK: Theoden (Rohan)
DF: Gwaihir (Erebor)
DF: Ecthelion (ACB)
DF: Malbeth (Eriador)
DF: Penlod (FCV)
MF: Arveleg (Eriador)
MF: *Beren (ACB)
MF: *Anarion (Gondor)
FW: **Feanor (ACB)
FW: *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW: *Curufin (FCV) C

[satansaloser2005]

I'll do my trades later on, but these are my predictions (for the moment, anyway). Winners are in bold.

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United



EDIT: Rohan to win!

[Nogrod]

Well then... after I did my team and was still wondering about a few players as whether to take A or B, I decided to check what those ahead of me had picked so as to not pick all the same players... only to realise I had all the time being trying to make a choice between the picks made by Nilp vs. those made by Gwath... Okay, great minds think alike, or how did it go?

Let's hope this is productive and still different enough as I need to gain some points on the two...


Five changes:

-- FW - * Sauron of Barad Dûr
++ FW - * Arien of Real Valinor

-- FW - * Ancalagon of Angband
++ FW - * Glorfindel of Eriador

-- MF - Bard of Erebor
++ MF - * Anárion of Gondor

-- DF - Erestor of Imladris
++ DF - *Morgoth of Angband

-- GK - * Beorn of Erebor
++ GK - Theoden of Rohan


Noggportunistics

GK – Theoden of Rohan

DF – Shadowfax of Rohan
DF – Landroval of Erebor
DF – Malbeth of Eriador
DF – * Morgoth of Angband

MF – * Anárion of Gondor
MF – Yavanna of FC Valinor
MF – * Beren of AC Beleriand

FW – * Glorfindel of Eriador
FW – * Curufin of FC Valinor (C)
FW – * Arien of Real Valinor

[Nogrod]

Oh, and the predictions:


Angband prevails over Minas Tirith.

Eriador beats Doriath, plain and simple.

Erebor will do away with Imladris.

FC Valinor wipes out The Havens.

The Sea will give Real Valinor a fight, but loses.

Rohan doesn't give Dwarves United a real chance.

AC Beleriand will champion over hard-fighting Gondolin.

Gondor falls down in front of Shire-Bree United.

[Nerwen]

Wisdom Teeth
GK Carcharoth (Angband)- 2
DF *Morgoth (Angband)- 2
DF Girion (Erebor)
DF Ecthelion (AC Bel)
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)
MF *Anárion (Gondor)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF *Beren (ACBel)
FW *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW Celegorm (FCVal)
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C


--MF *Galadriel (Wilderland)
--FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)


++MF *Anárion (Gondor)
++FW *Glorfindel (Eriador)


Predictions

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

So in other words, all of the players in my team except two just got eliminated? How nice. I mean, ridiculous. There were definitely some people from obviously weak teams, but I never expected all three of Wilderland/Armenelos/Isengard to be eliminated. And at least Misty Mts or Valimar could have randomly stayed.

Okay, so that means... utter revamp, as much as I can. Means still leaving two totally useless players at least for this round (if not rather more)... but no can do.

Technical question, Phantom - can we also completely change the formation? As in, if I e.g. have a 4-5-1 formation, I remove two midfielders, can I exchange them for forwards, which will leave me with a 4-3-3 formation, which is also a legitimate one?

[Boromir88]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

Technical question, Phantom - can we also completely change the formation? As in, if I e.g. have a 4-5-1 formation, I remove two midfielders, can I exchange them for forwards, which will leave me with a 4-3-3 formation, which is also a legitimate one?

Yes.

TTN's staff is too swamped and over-worked (in preparation for the Arda Olympics 2012 ), so I'm afraid no Power-rankings or playoff break-downs. But my phantasy team and predictions will be up today.

[Boromir88]

Predictions: (Bold = winner)

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

------

The North Remembers
GK *Elrond (Eriador)
DF Girion (Erebor)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF *Felarof (Rohan)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
MF Mardil (MTirith)
MF Tar Miriel (Armenolos)
MF Elwe (Wilderland)
MF *phantomwolf (TIG)
FW Eol (ACBel)
FW *Smaug (Erebor)

-----

--DF Girion
--DF *Fingolfin
++DF Erestor
++DF *Maglor

--MF Mardil
--MF Tar Miriel
--MF Elwe
--MF *phantomwolf
++MF Ulfang
++MF Yavanna
++MF *Gandalf
++FW Tar Minastir

--FW *Smaug
++FW** Feanor

----

The North Remembers
GK *Elrond (Eriador) C
DF Erestor (Imladris)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF *Felarof (Rohan)
DF *Maglor (FC Valinor)
MF Ulfang (Angband)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF *Gandalf (Rohan)
FW Tar Minastir (The Sea)
FW Eol (ACBel)
FW **Feanor (ACBel)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Yes.

Great! Then that makes it... a new team, for the first time also with full amount of stars!

UNHANDED HIPPIES
--GK Uglúk (Isengard)
++ GK *Elrond (Eriador)

--DF Frumgar (Anduin)
++DF *Ulmo (Sea)

--DF Watcher (Misty Mts)
++DF *Celebrimbor (Dwarves Utd)

--MF Estë (Valimar)
++FW Tuor (The Havens)

--MF *Galadriel (Wilderland)
++FW *Glorfindel (Eriador)

--FW *Saruman (Isengard)
++FW *Smaug (Erebor)


UNDERHANDED UNHIPPIES

GK
*Elrond (Eriador)

DF
*Ulmo (Sea)
Mauhúr (Isengard)
*Celebrimbor (Dwarves Utd)
Radagast (Rohan)

MF
Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
Gorbag (Mordor)
*Khamul (Shire-Bree United) - C

FW
*Smaug (Erebor)
*Glorfindel (Eriador)
Tuor (The Havens)

One trade remaining, I need to think about it.


P.S. Phantom! One more thing I just discovered. I believe you have miscounted my points for the last round - at least as far as Galadriel is concerned. She has been my captain for two last rounds (I think you had it right previously but for some reason messed it up this time), so I should get twice the amount of points for her, shouldn't I? Not that it makes a big difference, but...

[the phantom]

Got your captain changed, Legate. Not sure why it was switched...

Originally Posted by Legate

So in other words, all of the players in my team except two just got eliminated? How nice. I mean, ridiculous. There were definitely some people from obviously weak teams, but I never expected all three of Wilderland/Armenelos/Isengard to be eliminated. And at least Misty Mts or Valimar could have randomly stayed.

Heh- yes, that happens. Armenelos had the group-of-death misfortune, Wilderland was an upset, but Imladris was favored to beat out Misty and Isengard, and Valimar was in the worst points position in their group going into the final round.

People just have to decide how risky they want to play. Go for big reward or safety? There were five teams already guaranteed to advance after round 2, and if one chooses to include only one player from those teams then there's definitely the risk of eliminated players. Particularly with the full allowed three players from Isengard which most people (including you) didn't pick to advance.

Apparently you didn't trust your pre-tourney picks enough.

And Boro- I can't believe no playoff breakdowns! You'd better at least be ready for the quarterfinals, because at some point you must attempt to match your 7 of 8 score prediction from a few years ago.

How about you, Nilp? Going to grant us some of your wisdom?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by the phantom

Got your captain changed, Legate. Not sure why it was switched...

Thank'ee. Happens, I guess.

Heh- yes, that happens. Armenelos had the group-of-death misfortune, Wilderland was an upset, but Imladris was favored to beat out Misty and Isengard, and Valimar was in the worst points position in their group going into the final round.

I thought Isengard had about 50-50 chance and I was ready to switch the players from there if need be, but I would never have believed Armenelos and Wilderland to fall. They were certainly in the better half of their groups. Come on: Anduin was a loser to start with, Erebor in my opinion mediocre at best, whereas Wilderland had some big stars in. (And that all said already with the knowledge that the "lesser race" had somehow miraculously managed to secure its place in the continuation. Otherwise I would have belived Wilderland to be THE team in the group.) In Armenelos' group, true, these Valinors both seem to be rather overpowered, but I had been thinking Armenelos had, after all, rather decent chances. Misty Mountains and Valimar were nothing special, but by simple statistics, I would not have believed neither of these five teams would qualify... and lo, what happened. But I guess everyone has a great deal to learn (Here I thought that I was making my bunch rather, hmm, varied when it came to the amount of teams I have drawn from. Obviously not at all.)

People just have to decide how risky they want to play. Go for big reward or safety? There were five teams already guaranteed to advance after round 2, and if one chooses to include only one player from those teams then there's definitely the risk of eliminated players. Particularly with the full allowed three players from Isengard which most people (including you) didn't pick to advance.

In fact, I did neither. I went for safety with my picks on who would win and advance etc., but only so that I won't end up totally off when my team, which was (and still is, even in this new shape) rather a "fan team", lost. Which is exactly what happened, in fact. I only thought some could have remained there. I am not picking players based on whom I believe to win, I pick players I like and then want to see how they do. I could make a team full of some Celegorms and Feanors or whatnot, but I won't find any amusement in that. I went a bit further in that direction in my "million dollar team", though apparently still too little.

Apparently you didn't trust your pre-tourney picks enough.

I think the problem is exactly that I did. I never changed a single person in my team until now when nine of eleven turned to be, well, useless. My belief in which teams would win had nothing to do with my choice of players- like I said, I have picked my team the way I had liked it and the picks on who is going to win the way I believed it would turn out, so those are the "real game".

Speaking of that, predictions... (boldened winners, as usual)

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Originally Posted by the phantom

How about you, Nilp? Going to grant us some of your wisdom?

I have the predicted scores, but when I try doing a formal write-up my brain crashes. x.x

I'll see if today can change that.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

All right, final modification.

--MF Gorbag
++MF Nessa (RV)

So, here we have:

HANDY HIPPIES AFTER COMPLETE REVAMP

GK
*Elrond (Eriador)

DF
*Ulmo (Sea)
Mauhúr (Isengard)
*Celebrimbor (Dwarves Utd)
Radagast (Rohan)

MF
Tar-Míriel (Armenelos)
Nessa (Real Valinor)
*Khamul (Shire-Bree United) - C

FW
*Smaug (Erebor)
*Glorfindel (Eriador)
Tuor (The Havens)

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Angband over Minas Tirith

Doriath over Eriador

Imladris over Erebor

FC Valinor over The Havens

Real Valinor over The Sea

Rohan over Dwarves United

AC Beleriand over Gondolin

Gondor over Shire-Bree United

[the phantom]

I'm sending out PMs to anyone that hasn't made trades/predictions. Round 1 of the playoffs will be posted on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

[Kuruharan]

...due to the constraints of me having to swap out practically my entire team which leaves me with all of one extra trade, I am forced to violate my hallowed principles and load up a few stars on the defensive side of the field.

The Shame!

(even worse, I use my one spare trade on switching a defensive player)

Old Team
GK Mumakil (Barad-Dur)
DF Frumgar (Anduin)
DF Penlod (FC Valinor)
DF Haldad (Inter Beleriand)
DF Gorlim (Inter Beleriand)
MF Dain (Erebor)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF Aegnor (The Havens)
FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand)
FW **Turin (Hithlum) C
FW *Sauron (Barad-Dur)

The Scrubs
1. -- GK Mumakil (Barad-Dur)
2. -- DF Frumgar (Anduin)
3. -- DF Penlod (FC Valinor)
4. -- DF Haldad (Inter Beleriand)
5. -- DF Gorlim (Inter Beleriand)
6. -- FW **Turin (Hithlum) *kicks violently on the way out*
7. -- FW *Sauron (Barad-Dur)

The Replacements
1. ++ *Beorn (Erebor)
2. ++ Malbeth (Eriador)
3. ++ *Celebrimbor (Dwarves United)
4. ++ Butterbur (Shire-Bree United)
5. ++ Landroval (Erebor)
6. ++ *Ancalgon (Angband)
7. ++ *Curufin (FC Valinor)

The New Less-Offensive Fever Swamp
GK *Beorn (Erebor)
DF Malbeth (Eriador)
DF *Celebrimbor (Dwarves United)
DF Butterbur (Shire-Bree United)
DF Landroval (Erebor)
MF Dain (Erebor) (should have gone with Dwarven loyalty a long time ago)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF Aegnor (The Havens)
FW *Ancalgon (Angband)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW **Feanor (AC Beleriand) C (come on Feanor, pull your head out of where the sun fears to shine!)

There, that should fall within the maximum allowable seven trades and six stars.

Predictions with no particular Rhyme or Reason

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[the phantom]

The first round of the playoffs begins in about 12 hours.

Sally, Eonwe, Shasta- do your swapping.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Ok, let's make (a whole lot of) changes!

GK- *Ungoliant (Angfauglith) OUT

DF- Balrog#2 (Angfauglith) OUT
DF- Gothmog#2 (Barad-Dur) OUT
DF- Gwaihir (Erebor)
DF- Grishnakh (Mordor) OUT

MF- *Beren (AC Beleriand)
MF- Nienor (Hithlum) OUT
MF- Este (Valimar) OUT

FW- **Feanor (AC Beleriand) (C)
FW- Celegorm (FC Valinor)
FW- Shelob (Mordor) OUT


Wow. Seven out. Need to get seven in.

ok:

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


GK- Dior (Doriath)

DF- Nienna (Real Valinor)
DF- *Felarof (Rohan)
DF- Gwaihir (Erebor)
DF- *Ulmo (The Sea)

MF- *Beren (AC Beleriand)
MF- Ulfang (Angband)
MF- Gilraen (Imladris)

FW- **Feanor (AC Beleriand) (C)
FW- Celegorm (FC Valinor)
FW- *Bombadil (Shire-Bree Utd)

[Eönwë]

Eönwë's Egregious Aggregate
GK *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)
DF Gildor (SBUnt)
DF *Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF Ecthelion (AC Beleriand)
MF Idril (FC Valinor)
MF Valandil (Eriador)
MF Bard (Erebor)
FW *Glorfindel (Eriador)
FW *Bombadil (SBUnt)
FW **Feanor (ACBel) C

Angband vs Minas Tirith
Eriador vs Doriath
Erebor vs Imladris
FC Valinor vs The Havens
The Sea vs Real Valinor
Rohan vs Dwarves United
AC Beleriand vs Gondolin
Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Mooncrazed
GK *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF *Felarof (Rohan)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF BWight (SBUnt)
MF *Beren (ACBel)
FW Strider (SBUnt)
FW Witch King (Eriador)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor) C



Hmm. You know, after looking at the matches, I'm actually pretty happy with my team.

Let's use that last star, though...

--Witch King (Eriador)
++*Ancalagon (Angband)

And Curufin will step down from the captainship this round.

The Mooncrazed
GK *Huan (FC Valinor)
DF Asfaloth (Eriador)
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)
DF *Fingolfin (ACBel)
DF *Felarof (Rohan)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
MF BWight (SBUnt)
MF *Beren (ACBel)
FW Strider (SBUnt)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) (C)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)



Predictions -

Angband vs Minas Tirith

Eriador vs Doriath

Erebor vs Imladris

FC Valinor vs The Havens

The Sea vs Real Valinor

Rohan vs Dwarves United

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

Gondor vs Shire-Bree United

[the phantom]

The playoffs have started.

If you made no trades during the break and wish to now, you are allowed to exchange players that were eliminated in group play for players on playoff teams that have yet to play (and still within the 7-trade 6-star limits of course).

[satansaloser2005]

Curse my ill evening. Oh well. I was going to leave Smaug anyway, so when I finish this I'll go see if that was a smart decision.


GK Carcharoth (Angband)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
DF Malbeth (Eriador)
DF Grishnakh (Mordor)
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG)
MF *Beleg (Doriath)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
FW *Smaug (Erebor)
FW Thuringwethil (Angfauglith)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)


--Grishnakh
--*PhantomWolf
--Thuringwethil

++Shadowfax (Rohan)
++*Gandalf (Rohan)
++*Curufin (FC Val)


This means I'm putting a lot of eggs in just a few of my Cupkicks. I hope this wasn't a bad choice....

GK Carcharoth (Angband)
DF Radagast (Rohan)
DF *Morgoth (Angband)
DF Malbeth (Eriador)
DF Shadowfax (Rohan)
MF *Gandalf (Rohan)
MF *Beleg (Doriath)
MF Yavanna (FC Valinor)
FW *Smaug (Erebor)
FW *Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) (C)



Now it's off to check out the first match, and then back to bed.