PHANTASY FOOTBALL: Arda Cup 2011

[Nogrod]

Meh, I got a bit too wordy there in Group G...

But if you have no time or interest to read both games, read the game between Pelori and Valinor.


Yay Nilp! As you ask, if you could get the blue changed into the "BD-bone-green" it would be even more awesome, but it pretty cool anyway - and better than a pic of a "trophy" anyway.

[the phantom]

Skip
GK **Elrond (Eregion) 6
DF Drauglin (Angband) 0
DF Elendil (Westernesse) 4
DF Tulkas (Valinor) 0
DF Balrog #1 (Angband) 0
MF Khamul (Wilderland) 5
MF Ecthelion (Angfauglith) 5
MF *Eöl (Doriath) 4
FW Ar-Pharazon (Westernesse) -1
FW Arien (Valinor) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
total points = 31

Noggportunistics
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 2
DF Carcharoth (Doriath) 4
DF Tar Aldarion (Tol Eressea) 4
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF Tulkas (Valinor) 0
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) 6
MF Legolas (Lothlorien) 6
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 5
FW *Maeglin (Anfauglith) 3
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) 4
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
total points = 46

Unnamed Horror
GK **Elrond (Eregion) 6
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 3
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 1
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF *Namo (Pelori) 2
MF Ecthelion (Angfauglith) 5
MF Legolas (Lothlorien) 6
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) (C) 6
MF Luthien (Doriath) 1
FW *Maeglin (Angfauglith) 3
FW NerWolf (TIG) 3
total points = 43

They have a Cave Troll
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 2
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 3
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF *Ulmo (Tol Eressea) 10
DF **Melian (Doriath) 7
MF Ar Adunakhor (Westernesse) 6
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 5
MF *Tilion (Angband) (C) 4
FW Scatha (Wilderland) 4
FW Castamir (Minas Morgul) 2
FW *Earendil (Eregion) 8
total points = 59

The Lynch Mob
GK *Tar Atanamir (Westernesse) 6
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 1
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 10
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF Beren (Doriath) 4
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 5
MF *Finrod (Tirion) 5
MF Khamul (Wilderland) 5
FW GwathWolf (TIG) 4
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
FW Curufin (Hithlum) 6
total points = 58

Wolf Pack
GK **Huan (Doriath) 7
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 10
DF Tar Palantir (Westernesse) 4
DF Tulkas (Valinor) 0
DF NilpWolf (TIG) 2
MF *Hurin (Doriath) (C) 5
MF Ar Adunakhkor (Westernesse) 6
MF Saruman (Misty Mts) 4
MF *Finrod (Tirion) 5
FW NerWolf (TIG) 3
FW **Turin (Doriath) 4
total points = 55

The Numbering Horde
GK *Galadriel (Lothlorien) 6
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 1
DF Tar Aldarion (Tol Eressea) 4
DF Amroth (Lothlorien) 4
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 10
MF Luthien (Doriath) 1
MF *Finrod (Tirion) 5
MF *Tar Miriel (Numenor) 0
FW *Hurin (Doriath) 5
FW Arien (Valinor) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
total points = 44

Morm
GK *Galadriel (Lothlorien) 6
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 10
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF Valandil (Eregion) 2
DF Kuruwolf (TIG) 1
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 5
MF Mardil (Westernesse) 1
MF Yavanna (Valinor) -1
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) 4
FW *Miriel (Valinor) 4
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
total points = 44

Notorious Nerwenites
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 2
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF Elendil (Westernesse) 4
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 1
DF Drauglin (Angband) 0
MF Luthien (Doriath) 1
MF Khamûl (Wilderland) 5
MF *Húrin (Doriath) 5
FW Smaug (Wilderland) -1
FW *Maeglin (Angfauglith) 3
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
total points = 32

The Cupkicks
GK Silent Watcher (Mordor) 2
DF Carcaroth (Doriath) 4
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF NilpWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth) 2
DF **Morgoth (Angband) 0
MF Saruman (Misty Mts) 4
MF Theodred (Dunharrow) 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) 3
FW Thuringwethil (Angband) (C) 3
FW NerWolf (TIG) 3
FW **Turin (Doriath) 4
total points = 32

Bletherin’ Blellums
GK **Elrond (Eregion) 6
DF Nienna (Pelori) 5
DF Elendil (Westernesse) 4
DF Carcharoth (Doriath) 4
DF *Celebrimbor (Eregion) 2
MF Luthien (Doriath) 1
MF *Tilion (Angband) 4
MF Khamul (Wilderland) 5
FW **Feanor (Lothlorien) (C) 3
FW Beleg (Doriath) 4
FW Finwe (Tirion) 3
total points = 44

Inzil’s Ignobles
GK **Ungoliant (Angband) (C) 2
DF Gamil Zirak (Beleriand) 0
DF Sangahyando (Minas Morgul) 0
DF *SkipWolf (TIG) 2
DF *Nazgul #5 (Mordor) 0
MF Figwit (Eregion) 0
MF Elrohir (Eregion) 0
MF Luthien (Doriath) 1
MF *Aragorn (Eriador) 3
FW *Bombadil (Forest) 7
FW Fingon (Himring) 4
total points = 21

Kuru
GK Grimbeorn (Wilderland) 4
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 1
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 3
DF *Beren (Doriath) 4
DF Alatar (Wilderland) 1
MF Luthien (Doriath) 1
MF PhantomWolf (TIG) 3
MF *Finrod (Tirion) 5
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 4
FW GwathWolf (TIG) 4
FW *Bombadil (The Forest) 7
total points = 41


(If you never chose a team name I have given you one. Skip, Morm, Kuru- I figure you can tell which team I made you.)
Round 3 Points
They Have a Cave Troll 59
The Lynch Mob 58
Wolf Pack 55
Noggportunistics 46
The Numbering Horde 44
Bletherin’ Blellums 44
Wrath of the Monkey 44
Unnamed Horror 43
Natural Sprinters 41
The Cupkicks 32
Notorious Nerwenites 32
The Once-And-Future Champs 31
Inzil’s Ignobles 21

And let’s not forget about those group predictions everyone made. Eomer and Gwath were blistering, getting all eight group winners correct and missing only three runner-ups, gaining them 29 out of the 32 possible points!

Group Prediction Points
Bletherin’ Blellums 29
The Lynch Mob 29
Noggportunistics 27
They Have a Cave Troll 27
The Once-And-Future Champs 25
Natural Sprinters 24
The Numbering Horde 24
Inzil’s Ignobles 23
Notorious Nerwenites 23
Wolf Pack 23
Wrath of the Monkey 19
The Cupkicks 18
Unnamed Horror 17

So here is where we stand going into the playoffs. Some people took some mighty tumbles, while others shot up the standings. But now is when you can really gain some ground, as the leaders may have their teams cut down by their players getting eliminated during the playoffs.

Total Points After Group Play
The Lynch Mob 202
Noggportunistics 178
They Have a Cave Troll 174
Wolf Pack 165
The Numbering Horde 159
Bletherin’ Blellums 158
The Once-And-Future Champs 158
Wrath of the Monkey 151
Notorious Nerwenites 150
Unnamed Horror 148
Natural Sprinters 144
The Cupkicks 122
Inzil’s Ignobles 98

[the phantom]

As always, a point of interest- the best squad you could’ve had in round 3 of group play-

Phantasy Dream Team (Round 3)
GK *Galadriel (Lothlorien) 6
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 10
DF Elwe (Doriath) 10
DF **Melian (Doriath) 7
DF *Ulmo (Tol Eressea) 10
MF Leod (Anduin) (C)13
MF *Glaurung (Nargothrond) 10
MF Legolas (Lothlorien) 6
FW Celegorm (Hithlum) 8
FW *Earendil (Eregion) 8
FW Thranduil (Forest) 7

total points = 108

[the phantom]

You are allowed SEVEN trades.
In other words, whatever switches you make and change your mind about etc., your team will be considered legal so long as you end up with at least FOUR of your players you had last round.

You may feature SEVEN stars on your roster.

The playoff matchups are set, and you can gain EXTRA POINTS by predicting who the winners will be. Each game is worth one point, so an extra eight points are out there for the taking.

The Playoffs, Round 1 (host team listed first)

*****
Doriath vs Minas Morgul
*****
Wilderland vs Valinor
*****
Angband vs Tol Eressea
*****
Eregion vs The Forest
*****
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur
*****
Westernesse vs Angfauglith
*****
Pelori vs Misty Mts
*****
Lothlorien vs Tirion
*****

Some stupendous matchups there! Make your trades and picks and stay tuned for all the action.

[Inziladun]

My team is well named.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

My team is well named.

Well, the only way is up!

But hey! We have a nice and tough competiton on the top, but "the Lynch mob" is like twenty+ points ahead?

Let's lynch the lynch mob!


Btw. there will be - I quess - all kinds of predictions and stats pouring in the next few days so hold your horses gentlemen and -women. Those might include things only you see and thus manage to predict it right against what all the others are doing.

For doing things differently is the way to gain against others ahead... or to break off from an even situation: betting the same only keeps the difference the same.

[Kuruharan]

Originally Posted by the phantom

(If you never chose a team name I have given you one. Skip, Morm, Kuru- I figure you can tell which team I made you.)

I've actually had a team name on all my rosters from the beginning, but oh well.

[Gwathagor]

--Celeborn
--Khamul
--*Finrod
--Curufin

++Draugluin (Angband)
++*Glorfindel (Eregion)
++Legolas (Lothlorien)
++*Ancalagon (Angband)


GK: *Tar Atanamir (Westernesse)
DF: Kuruwolf (TIG)
DF: Draugluin (Angband)
DF: Malbeth (Westernesse)
DF: *Beren (Doriath)
MF: *Glorfindel (Eregion)
MF: *Hurin (Doriath)
MF: Legolas (Lothlorien)
FW: Gwathwolf (TIG)
FW: **Turin (Doriath) (C)
FW: *Ancalagon (Angband)


Mes Predictions Des Vainqueurs
Doriath
Valinor
Angband
Eregion
Tol In Gaurhoth
Westernesse
Pelori
Lothlorien

[Inziladun]

--Gamil Zirak--Beleriand
--*Nazgul #5--Mordor
--Figwit--Eregion
--*Aragorn--Eriador
--Fingon--Himring

++Celeborn--Lothlorien
++*Ulmo--Tol Eressea
++Elladan--Eregion
++Earwen--Tol Eressea
++**Turin--Doriath


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


GK- **Ungoliant--Angband

DF- Celeborn--Lothlorien
DF- Sangahyando--Minas Morgul
DF- *SkipWolf--TIG
DF- *Ulmo--Tol Eressea (C)

MF- Elladan--Eregion
MF- Elrohir--Eregion
MF- Luthien--Doriath
MF- Earwen--Tol Eressea

FW- *Bombadil--The Forest
FW- **Turin--Doriath

Playoff Picks:

Doriath
Wilderland
Tol Eressea
The Forest
Tol In Gaurhoth
Westernesse
Pelori
Lothlorien

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Meh, I got a bit too wordy there in Group G...

But if you have no time or interest to read both games, read the game between Pelori and Valinor.

Meh, it was fine, a good read. You built the tension up nicely--although, of course, there was much tension to begin with in the second game, but even the first game was riveting. (And the latter one was fantastic!)

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Yay Nilp! As you ask, if you could get the blue changed into the "BD-bone-green" it would be even more awesome, but it pretty cool anyway - and better than a pic of a "trophy" anyway.

Thanks for the tip. (But I'll have to ask my brother's help with more sophisticated photo-editing programs--that change would be beyond my meagre Paint skills. )

Standings, the bracket, etc., will be up in about two hours. (Analysis--both statistical and fanatical--shall have to come much later, though.)

[the phantom]

Originally Posted by Kuru

I've actually had a team name on all my rosters from the beginning, but oh well.

Ha ha ha!

When I originally checked I was going off of this post where I didn't see a name and just never realized you already had one established at that point, heh. Sorry! I'll take care of changing it back tomorrow.

[Boromir88]

They have a Cave Troll
GK ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien)
DF Malbeth (Westernesse)
DF *Ulmo (Tol Eressea)
DF **Melian (Doriath)
MF Ar Adunakhor (Westernesse)
MF *Hurin (Doriath)
MF *Tilion (Angband) (C)
FW Scatha (Wilderland)
FW Castamir (Minas Morgul)
FW *Earendil (Eregion)

----

--DF Malbeth
--DF *Ulmo
--DF **Melian
++DF Thingol
++DF *Mandos
++DF **Morgoth

--MF Ar Adunakhor
++MF *Phantomwolf

--FW Castamir
--FW Scatha
++FW Ar Pharazon
++FW Arien

----

They have a Cave Troll
GK ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien)
DF Thingol (Doriath)
DF *Mandos (Pelori)
DF **Morgoth (Angband) (C)
MF *Hurin (Doriath)
MF *Tilion (Angband)
MF *Phantomwolf (TIG)
FW Ar Pharazon (Westernesse)
FW Arien (Valinor)
FW *Earendil (Eregion)

Stay tuned for Predictions.

Again, great stuff Nilp. And you say you're lazy?

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Switching to 4-5-1:
--GK *Galadriel (Lothlórien)
++GK ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

--DF Tar-Aldarion (Tol Eressëa)
++DF Draugluin (Angband)

--DF Amroth (Lothlórien)
++DF Balrog #1 (Angband)

--DF Celeborn (Lothlórien)
++DF Nienna (Pelóri)

--MF Lúthien (Doriath)
++MF *Tilion (Angband)

--MF *Tar-Míriel (Númenor)
[Bye, love.]
++MF *Varda (Pelóri)

--FW Arien (Valinor)
[Why!? Why did you lose, and end up in the wrong side of the bracket?!]
++MF *Glorfindel (Eregion)

KuruWolf, Húrin, Finrod, and Túrin are left unchanged.

The Numbering Horde
GK ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF KuruWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Draugluin (Angband)
DF Balrog #1 (Angband)
DF Nienna (Pelóri)
MF *Tilion (Angband)
MF *Húrin (Doriath)
MF *Finrod (Tirion)
MF *Varda (Pelóri)
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) (C)
FW **Túrin (Doriath)

And my predictions:

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Again, great stuff Nilp. And you say you're lazy?

Thanks! And, well, my laziness is more of a watery 'path of least resistance' type than an earthy 'mountain does not move' type, anyway.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Still fighting, then.

When is the deadline for making our trades and predictions? I will try to do it today anyway.

[Boromir88]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

Still fighting, then.

When is the deadline for making our trades and predictions? I will try to do it today anyway.

At least a few days, no rush. I'm finishing my post with all my predictions today, and I see this morning we've gotten our playoff assignments on who's writing which games. So, once we get the results, still at least another day to start getting them written.

[satansaloser2005]

I could probably do my trades on Thursday, if you'd be willing to wait. I'm simply too tired today to make sense of much of anything. :/

[mormegil]

--DF Kuruwolf (TIG)
--FW *Miriel (Valinor)
-- MF Mardil (Westernesse)
++FW Eonwe (Pelori)
++DF **Melian (Doriath)
++MF Ulfang (Angband)


GK *Galadriel (Lothlorien)
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien)
DF Malbeth (Westernesse)
DF Valandil (Eregion)
DF **Melian (Doriath)
MF *Hurin (Doriath)
MF Ulfang (Angband)
MF Yavanna (Valinor)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW Eonwe (Pelori)
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C)

Bolded and underlined equals predicted winner

Doriath vs Minas Morgul
*****
Wilderland vs Valinor
*****
Angband vs Tol Eressea
*****
Eregion vs The Forest
*****
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur
*****
Westernesse vs Angfauglith
*****
Pelori vs Misty Mts
*****
Lothlorien vs Tirion

[Nogrod]

I was tempted to do more, but only four changes this time. One needs to trust one's choices even if some of them let you down on one round...

-- DF – Carcaroth of Doriath
-- DF – Tulkas of Valinor
-- DF – Tar Aldarion of Tol Eressëa
++ DF – **Melian of Doriath
++ DF – Kuruwolf of T-I-G
++ DF – Nienna of Pelori

-- FW – *Maeglin of Anfaughlith
++ FW – Elros of Westernesse


Noggportunistics

GK – Shastawolf of Tol-In-Gaurhoth

DF – Kuruwolf of Tol-In-Gaurhoth
DF – Malbeth of Westernesse
DF – Nienna of Pelori
DF – **Melian of Doriath

MF - *Glorfindel of Eregion
MF - Legolas of Lothlórien
MF - *Húrin of Doriath

FW – Elros of Westernesse
FW – *Ancalagon of Angband
FW - **Túrin of Doriath (C)



And the first knock-out round winners... putting my money where my mouth is.

Doriath beats Minas Morgul
Wilderland gets beaten by Valinor
Angband beats Tol Eressëa
Eregion beats The Forest
T-I-G beats Barad Dûr
Westernesse beats Anfaughlith
Pelori beats Misty Mts.
Lothlórien beats Tirion

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Pelori wins (although here we agree with TTN, only with one goal, but not because it is a tight game, but because that’s the way Manwë likes to do it).

This made me lol.

And TTN's OFF/DEF/GK edge style was a lovely touch, wish I'd done it first.

Anyway, ArdaCup.com Stats Report decided to join the prediction game (even the scores, which looks somewhat similar to TTN's--but! with some crucial differences.) And yes, I've predicted Lothlórien beating Tirion there, even though I chose Tirion to win here. I dunno if this half-heartedness would be enough to shake off my World Cup curse (having rooted for three runners-up in a row) or reality overcoming wishful thinking. Meh, it's only a point against my deeply-held principles.

(Looking at it again, that post seems too long-winded. Ah, well, there's always the terse Felagundion. )

[Nerwen]

Doriath vs Minas Morgul- Doriath
Wilderland vs Valinor- Wilderland
Angband vs Tol Eressea- Angband
Eregion vs The Forest- Eregion
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur- T-I-G
Westernesse vs Angfauglith- Westernesse
Pelori vs Misty Mts- Pelori
Lothlorien vs Tirion- Tirion

Notorious Nerwenites
GK ShastaWolf (TIG)
DF Malbeth (Westernesse)
DF Elendil (Westernesse)
DF KuruWolf (TIG)
DF **Melian (Doriath)
MF Glorfindel (Eregion)
MF Khamûl (Wilderland)
MF *Húrin (Doriath)
FW Eonwe (Pelori)
FW *Ancalagon (Angband)
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Gah, I don't care if they'll be up against the juggernaut Doriath in the quarterfinals; I want my Arien back!

Switching to 4-3-3:
--DF KuruWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
++DF Elwë (Doriath)

--DF Balrog #1 (Angband)
++DF **Morgoth (Angband)

--MF *Tilion (Angband)
++FW Elros (Westernesse)

--MF *Varda (Pelóri)
++FW Arien (Valinor)
[I should've never let go of you!]

Húrin, Finrod, Arien and Túrin are retained from my last group stage line-up.

The Numbering Horde
GK ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
DF Draugluin (Angband)
DF Elwë (Doriath)
DF Nienna (Pelóri)
DF **Morgoth (Angband)
MF *Húrin (Doriath)
MF *Finrod (Tirion)
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) (C)
FW Elros (Westernesse)
FW Arien (Valinor)
FW **Túrin (Doriath)

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

*****
Doriath vs Minas Morgul - Doriath to win
*****
Wilderland vs Valinor - Wilderland to win
*****
Angband vs Tol Eressea - Angband to win
*****
Eregion vs The Forest - Eregion to win
*****
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur - Tol-in-Gaurhoth to win
*****
Westernesse vs Angfauglith - Angfauglith to win
*****
Pelori vs Misty Mts - Pelori to win
*****
Lothlorien vs Tirion - Lothlorien to win
*****

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Winners are Doriath, Valinor, Angband, Angfauglith, Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Eregion, Lothlorien, and Misty Mountains. I'll make this look pretty when I get to a computer.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by satansaloser2005

I could probably do my trades on Thursday, if you'd be willing to wait.

We're willing to wait, but it also takes time to write those things so you can rest assured Thursday is the earliest we could have any match-descriptions coming in (I got the results this morning and have done my first match - but there are still two to go and they take time). I'm probably going to post my first game(s) on Friday and hope to have sent the last on Saturday/Sunday - but it all depends if you all have made your changes and things are ready for it.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Wolf Pack
GK **Huan (Doriath)
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien)
DF Tar Palantir (Westernesse)
DF Tulkas (Valinor)
DF NilpWolf (TIG)
MF *Hurin (Doriath)
MF Ar Adunakhkor (Westernesse)
MF Saruman (Misty Mts)
MF *Finrod (Tirion)
FW NerWolf (TIG)
FW **Turin (Doriath)

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

-- Tar Palantir (Westernesse)
-- Ar Adunakhor (Westernesse)
-- *Finrod (Tirion)

++ Chief Wolf (Misty Mountains)
++ *PhantomWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)
++ *Durin's Bane (Misty Mountains)


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

Wolf Pack
GK **Huan (Doriath)
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien)
DF Chief Wolf (Misty Mountains)
DF Tulkas (Valinor)
DF NilpWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)
MF *Hurin (Doriath)
MF *PhantomWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth) (C)
MF Saruman (Misty Mountains)
MF *Durin's Bane (Misty Mountains)
FW NerWolf (Tol-In-Gaurhoth)
FW **Turin (Doriath)


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

Reiterating predictions -

Doriath vs Minas Morgul
*****
Doriath wins.

Wilderland vs Valinor
*****
Valinor wins.

Angband vs Tol Eressea
*****
Angband wins.

Eregion vs The Forest
*****
Eregion wins.

Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur
*****
Tol-In-Gaurhoth wins.

Westernesse vs Angfauglith
*****
Angfauglith wins.

Pelori vs Misty Mts
*****
Misty Mountains wins.

Lothlorien vs Tirion
*****
Lothlorien wins.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

I forgot to make PhantomWolf my captain. Oops.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

- Elendil (Westernesse)
- Finwe (Tirion)

+ Drauglin (Angband)
+ Earendil* (Eregion)


GK - Elrond ** (Eregion)

DF - Nienna (Pelori)
DF - Drauglin (Angband)
DF - Carcharoth (Doriath)
DF - Celebrimbor* (Eregion)

MF - Luthien (Doriath)
MF - Tilion* (Angband)
MF - Khamul (Wilderland)

FW - Feanor ** (Lothlorien) (C)
FW - Beleg (Doriath)
FW - Earendil* (Eregion)

[skip spence]

Okay, time for some changes!

Transfers:
-- Echtelion
-- Balrog #1
-- Tulkas
-- Elendil

++Elwe (Doriath)
++*PhantomWolf (T-i-G)
++*SkipWolf (T-i-G)
++Celeborn (Lothlorien)



GK **Elrond (Eregion)

DF Celeborn (Lothlorien)
DF *SkipWolf (T-i-G)
DF Drauglin (Angband)
DF Elwe (Doriath)

MF Khamul (Wilderland)
MF *PhantomWolf (T-i-G)
MF *Eöl (Doriath)

FW Ar-Pharazon (Westernesse)
FW Arien (Valinor)
FW **Turin (C) (Doriath)

[skip spence]

Doriath vs Minas Morgul - Doriath to win
*****
Wilderland vs Valinor - Wilderland to win
*****
Angband vs Tol Eressea - Angband to win
*****
Eregion vs The Forest - Eregion to win
*****
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur - Tol-in-Gaurhoth to win
*****
Westernesse vs Angfauglith - Westernesse to win
*****
Pelori vs Misty Mts - Pelori to win
*****
Lothlorien vs Tirion - Lothlorien to win

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Even more boring than my predictions, skip - at least I had one second-place team going through.

[Kuruharan]

Day before yesterday I found myself in the awkward position of having to unexpectedly house sit until Tuesday with very limited internet access...and I don't have much time to post now.

I am only going to make one change on my team.

--DF Alatar (Wilderland)
++DF **Morgoth (Angband)

GK Grimbeorn (Wilderland)
DF KuruWolf (TIG)
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien)
DF *Beren (Doriath)
DF **Morgoth (Angband)
MF Luthien (Doriath)
MF PhantomWolf (TIG)
MF *Finrod (Tirion)
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C)
FW GwathWolf (TIG)
FW *Bombadil (The Forest)

That should be seven stars.

Predictions--

Doriath vs Minas Morgul - Doriath to Win
*****
Wilderland vs Valinor - Wilderland to Win
*****
Angband vs Tol Eressea - Angband to Win
*****
Eregion vs The Forest - Eregion to Win (my devotion to Bombadillo has its limits...)
*****
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur - Tol-in-Gaurhoth to Win
*****
Westernesse vs Angfauglith - Angfauglith to Win
*****
Pelori vs Misty Mts - Pelori to Win
*****
Lothlorien vs Tirion - Tirion to Win

I promise I will do more issues of The Underground when I am back home and have my computer again.

[satansaloser2005]

I've been caught up all evening, so I'll think about my picks and make sure to post them in the morning. *shuffles off to bed*

[the phantom]

All right then- we just need things from Sally and Galadriel. We know Sally is around and will have it done soonish, but I believe Gal is away and has appointed TGEW in her place. I will PM her immediately and as soon as she has answered and made Gal's picks we will begin posting results.

[satansaloser2005]

GK Silent Watcher (Mordor) 2
DF Carcaroth (Doriath) 4
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) 4
DF NilpWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth) 2
DF **Morgoth (Angband) 0
MF Saruman (Misty Mts) 4
MF Theodred (Dunharrow) 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) 3
FW Thuringwethil (Angband)*(C)*3
FW NerWolf (TIG) 3
FW **Turin (Doriath) 4

Getting rid of non-players first....
--Silent Watcher
--Theodred

++ShastaWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth)
++*Tilion (Angband)


Now for the rest of my trades....
--Malbeth
--NerWolf

++Shadowfax (Lothlorien)
++*Bombadil (The Forest)

Which means the newest formation of the Cupkicks is....

GK ShastaWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth)
DF Carcaroth (Doriath)
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien)
DF NilpWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth)
DF **Morgoth (Angband)
MF Saruman (Misty Mts)
MF *Tilion (Angband)
MF *PhantomWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth)
FW Thuringwethil (Angband)*(C)
FW *Bombadil (The Forest)
FW **Turin (Doriath)

Gah. I feel like I should make more changes because, well, I can, but I like who I have on my team. Besides, I can hardly do worse. :/


Doriath vs Minas Morgul
Wilderland vs Valinor
Angband vs Tol Eressea
Eregion vs The Forest
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur
Westernesse vs Angfauglith
Pelori vs Misty Mts
Lothlorien vs Tirion

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Ah, look, see, I'm not the only one who thinks Misty Mountains will whoop up on Pelori.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Hmm, well. Galadriel55 has asked me to play in her absence, which I have agreed to. I am a bit rusty (and wasn't very good at this to begin with, mind), so forgive me if I mess up.

Predictions:

Doriath vs Minas Morgul. . . . . . . Doriath will win
*****
Wilderland vs Valinor. . . . . . . . . Wilderland with win
*****
Angband vs Tol Eressea. . . . . . . Tol Eressea will win
*****
Eregion vs The Forest. . . . . . . . Eregion will win
*****
Tol In Gaurhoth vs Barad-Dur. . . Barad-Dur will win
*****
Westernesse vs Angfauglith. . . . Westernesse will win
*****
Pelori vs Misty Mts. . . . . . . . . . Pelori will win
*****
Lothlorien vs Tirion. . . . . . . . . . Lothlorien will win

________________________________________________

As for Galadriel's original team, I like it as it stands:

Unnamed Horror
GK **Elrond (Eregion)
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien)
DF KuruWolf (TIG)
DF Malbeth (Westernesse)
DF *Namo (Pelori)
MF Ecthelion (Angfauglith)
MF Legolas (Lothlorien)
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) (C)
MF Luthien (Doriath)
FW *Maeglin (Angfauglith)
FW NerWolf (TIG)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Partial, unofficial, the works--this includes prediction pts, btw:

Triple tie of skip (42+4), Nog, and me (both 42+5) at the pole position. The abominable Gwath lurks (tied with morm) at 38+5. Nerwen owns solo third (34+5).

(My last-minute changes netted me 18 pts. Like, επιγενηθήτω, φλογίνη βασίλεια! (The song and message are both dedicated to Arien.) Hope Varda and Tilion don't better it, though, heehee.)

And I would just like to reiterate that you three writers are awesome!

EDIT: Didn't see that last match, heh. I take solo top (53+3)!!! Followed by skip (46+3) and Nog (43+4). Boro (42+4) joins the top 5, tied for current pts with Gwath (42+3).

EDIT 2: Oh, snap, I forgot Elrond's assist! Skip has 49 (3 unplayed).

[the phantom]

PLAYOFF ROUND 1 PHANTASY POINTS

Angband
GK **Ungoliant (4)
DF Drauglin (3)
DF Balrog #1 (4)
DF *Balrog #2 (4)
DF **Morgoth (7)
MF Balrog #3 (1)
MF Ulfang (0)
MF *Tilion (1)
FW Telvildo (4)
FW Thuringwethil (0)
FW *Ancalagon (0)

Angfauglith
GK Huor (2)
DF Rochallor (-3)
DF Balrog #4 (0)
DF *Balrog #5 (-1)
DF **Fingolfin (6)
MF Rían (3)
MF Azaghål (-1)
MF Ecthelion (0)
FW Gwindor (2)
FW *Maeglin (4)
FW *Gothmog (0)

Barad-Dur
GK Ohtar (2)
DF Fellbeast #1 (0)
DF Nazgul #1 (0)
DF Gothmog II (-1)
DF Anarion (0)
MF Shagrat (0)
MF Fellbeast #2 (-1)
MF Mouth (0)
MF Cirdan (0)
MF *Gil-galad (0)
FW Isildur (-1)

Doriath
GK **Huan (6)
DF Carcharoth (7)
DF Elwe (4)
DF *Beren (10)
DF **Melian (10)
MF Mablung (9)
MF Luthien (4)
MF *Eol (1)
MF *Hurin (1)
FW Beleg (0)
FW **Turin (7)

Eregion
GK **Elrond (9)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Valandil (4)
DF Erestor (4)
DF *Celebrimbor (10)
MF Lindir (4)
MF Elladen (1)
MF Figwit (0)
MF Elrohir (4)
MF *Glorfindel (6)
FW *Earendil (4)

Lothlorien
GK *Galadriel (4)
DF Amroth (-1)
DF Shadowfax (0)
DF Celeborn (0)
DF **Gandalf (0)
MF Gimli (-1)
MF Nimrodel (3)
MF Haldir (0)
MF Boromir II (5)
MF Legolas (3)
FW **Feanor (8)

Minas Morgul
GK Earnur (2)
DF Nazgul #2 (-1)
DF Angamaite (0)
DF Sangahyando (0)
DF *Nazgul #3 (0)
MF Fuinur (-1)
MF Herumor (0)
MF King Dead (0)
FW Beruthiel (-1)
FW Castamir (0)
FW *Witch King (0)

Misty Mts
GK Caradhras (2)
DF Chief Wolf (0)
DF Landroval (-1)
DF Meneldor (-1)
DF Watcher (-1)
MF Great Goblin (0)
MF William (-1)
MF Narvi (0)
MF Saruman (0)
MF *Durin’s Bane (0)
FW Azog (0)

Pelori
GK *Manwe (6)
DF Gwaihir (3)
DF Nahar (4)
DF Nienna (4)
DF *Namo (4)
MF Vana (1)
MF Orome (1)
MF Irmo (1)
MF Ilmare (5)
MF *Varda (4)
FW Eonwe (7)

The Forest
GK Old Man Willow (2)
DF Haleth (-1)
DF Fimbrethil (0)
DF Treebeard (-1)
MF Goldberry (0)
MF Quickbeam (0)
MF Skinbark (0)
MF River Woman (0)
FW Saeros (-1)
FW Thranduil (0)
FW *Bombadil (0)

Tirion
GK Orodreth (2)
DF Elemmakil (-1)
DF Elemmírë (0)
DF Caranthir (2)
DF *Aule (0)
MF Enerdhil (0)
MF Finarfin (0)
MF Mahtan (-1)
MF *Finrod (3)
FW Aredhel (4)
FW Finwe (4)

Tol Eressea
GK Amandil (4)
DF Tar Aldarion (2)
DF Osse (1)
DF *Salmar (2)
DF *Ulmo (2)
MF Voronwe (0)
MF Lindo (0)
MF Eriol (-1)
MF Earwen (0)
MF Elwing (0)
FW Uinen (0)

Tol In Gaurhoth
GK ShastaWolf (6)
DF KuruWolf (4)
DF NilpWolf (4)
DF *SkipWolf (4)
MF GaladWolf (6)
MF SallyWolf (4)
MF InzilWolf (3)
MF *PhantomWolf (4)
FW GwathWolf (4)
FW NerWolf (0)
FW *NogWolf (4)

Valinor
GK Ingwe (4)
DF Indis (0)
DF Vaire (-1)
DF Tulkas (0)
MF Nessa (0)
MF Este (0)
MF Yavanna (5)
MF Olwe (0)
FW Nerdanel (3)
FW *Miriel (3)
FW Arien (7)

Westernesse
GK *Tar Atanamir (4)
DF Tar Palantir (-1)
DF Elendil (0)
DF Malbeth (-1)
DF **Tar Telperien (0)
MF Hyarmendacil (0)
MF Mardil (0)
MF Ar Adunakhor (3)
FW Tar Minastir (4)
FW Elros (7)
FW Ar Pharazon (7)

Wilderland
GK Grimbeorn (2)
DF Great Warg (-1)
DF Alatar (0)
DF Oropher (0)
DF *Pallando (-1)
MF Radagast (0)
MF Bolg (-1)
MF Khamul (0)
FW Smaug (7)
FW *Sauron (7)
FW Scatha (-1)

[the phantom]

As always...

Phantasy Dream Team (Playoffs Opening Round)
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 6
DF *Celebrimbor (Eregion) 10
DF *Beren (Doriath) 10
DF **Melian (Doriath) 10 (C)
DF **Morgoth (Angband) 7
MF GaladWolf (TIG) 6
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) 6
MF Mablung (Doriath) 9
FW Elros (Westernesse) 7
FW Ar Pharazon (Westernesse) 7
FW Eonwe (Pelori) 7
Predictions = 8
total points = 103

(Official points standings and whatnot will be posted later this afternoon. I have to go and eat first.)

[the phantom]

The Klong Toey Soi Dogs
GK **Elrond (Eregion) 9
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 0
DF *SkipWolf (TIG) 4
DF Drauglin (Angband) 3
DF Elwe (Doriath) 4
MF Khamul (Wilderland) 0
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) 4
MF *Eöl (Doriath) 1
FW Ar-Pharazon (Westernesse) 7
FW Arien (Valinor) 7
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 7
Predictions = 7
total points = 60

Noggportunistics
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 6
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 5
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) -1
DF Nienna (Pelori) 4
DF **Melian (Doriath) 10
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) 6
MF Legolas (Lothlorien) 3
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 1
FW Elros (Westernesse) 7
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 7
Predictions = 8
total points = 63

Unnamed Horror
GK **Elrond (Eregion) 9
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 0
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 4
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) -1
DF *Namo (Pelori) 4
MF Ecthelion (Angfauglith) 0
MF Legolas (Lothlorien) 3
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) (C) 6
MF Luthien (Doriath) 4
FW *Maeglin (Angfauglith) 4
FW NerWolf (TIG) 0
Predictions = 5
total points = 44

They have a Cave Troll
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 6
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 0
DF Elwe (Doriath) 4
DF *Namo (Pelori) 4
DF **Morgoth (Angband) (C) 7
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 1
MF *Tilion (Angband) 1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) 4
FW Ar Pharazon (Westernesse) 7
FW Arien (Valinor) 7
FW *Earendil (Eregion) 4
Predictions = 7
total points = 59

The Lynch Mob
GK *Tar Atanamir (Westernesse) 4
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 4
DF Drauglin (Angband) 3
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) -1
DF *Beren (Doriath) 10
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) 6
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 1
MF Legolas (Lothlorien) 3
FW GwathWolf (TIG) 4
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 7
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) 0
Predictions = 8
total points = 56

Wolf Pack
GK **Huan (Doriath) 6
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 0
DF Chief Wolf (Misty Mts) 0
DF Tulkas (Valinor) 0
DF NilpWolf (TIG) 4
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) (C) 4
MF Saruman (Misty Mts) 0
MF *Durin's Bane (Misty Mts) 0
FW NerWolf (TIG) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) 7
Predictions = 6
total points = 32

The Numbering Horde
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 6
DF Drauglin (Angband) 3
DF Elwe (Doriath) 4
DF Nienna (Pelori) 4
DF **Morgoth (Angband) 7
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 1
MF *Finrod (Tirion) 3
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) (C) 6
FW Elros (Westernesse) 7
FW Arien (Valinor) 7
FW **Turin (Doriath) 7
Predictions = 7
total points = 68

Wrath of the Monkey
GK *Galadriel (Lothlorien) 4
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 0
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) -1
DF Valandil (Eregion) 4
DF **Melian (Doriath) 10
MF *Hurin (Doriath) 1
MF Ulfang (Angband) 0
MF Yavanna (Valinor) 5
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) 0
FW Eonwe (Pelori) 7
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 7
Predictions = 8
total points = 52

Notorious Nerwenites
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 6
DF Malbeth (Westernesse) -1
DF Elendil (Westernesse) 0
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 4
DF **Melian (Doriath) 10
MF *Glorfindel (Eregion) 6
MF Khamûl (Wilderland) 0
MF *Húrin (Doriath) 1
FW Eonwe (Pelori) 7
FW *Ancalagon (Angband) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 7
Predictions = 6
total points = 53

The Cupkicks
GK ShastaWolf (TIG) 6
DF Carcaroth (Doriath) 7
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 0
DF NilpWolf (Tol In Gaurhoth) 4
DF **Morgoth (Angband) 7
MF Saruman (Misty Mts) 0
MF *Tilion (Angband) 1
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) 4
FW Thuringwethil (Angband) (C) 0
FW *Bombadil (The Forest) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) 7
Predictions = 5
total points = 36

Bletherin’ Blellums
GK **Elrond (Eregion) 9
DF Nienna (Pelori) 4
DF Drauglin (Angband) 3
DF Carcharoth (Doriath) 7
DF *Celebrimbor (Eregion) 10
MF Luthien (Doriath) 4
MF *Tilion (Angband) 1
MF Khamul (Wilderland) 0
FW **Feanor (Lothlorien) (C) 8
FW Beleg (Doriath) 0
FW *Earendil (Eregion) 4
Predictions = 6
total points = 64

Inzil’s Ignobles
GK **Ungoliant (Angband) 4
DF Celeborn (Lothlorien) 0
DF Sangahyando (Minas Morgul) 0
DF *SkipWolf (TIG) 4
DF *Ulmo (Tol Eressea) (C) 2
MF Elladan (Eregion) 1
MF Elrohir (Eregion) 4
MF Luthien (Doriath) 4
MF Earwen (Tol Eressea) 0
FW *Bombadil (Forest) 0
FW **Turin (Doriath) 7
Predictions = 5
total points = 33

Kuru's Scrubs
GK Grimbeorn (Wilderland) 2
DF KuruWolf (TIG) 4
DF Shadowfax (Lothlorien) 0
DF *Beren (Doriath) 10
DF **Morgoth (Angband) 7
MF Luthien (Doriath) 4
MF *PhantomWolf (TIG) 4
MF *Finrod (Tirion) 3
FW **Turin (Doriath) (C) 7
FW GwathWolf (TIG) 4
FW *Bombadil (The Forest) 0
Predictions = 5
total points = 57

Playoff Round 1 Points
The Numbering Horde 68
Bletherin’ Blellums 64
Noggportunistics 63
The Klong Toey Soi Dogs 60
They Have a Cave Troll 59
Kuru's Scrubs 57
The Lynch Mob 56
Notorious Nerwenites 53
Wrath of the Monkey 52
Unnamed Horror 44
The Cupkicks 36
Inzil’s Ignobles 33
Wolf Pack 32

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

Total Points After Playoffs Round 1
The Lynch Mob 258
Noggportunistics 241
They Have a Cave Troll 233
The Numbering Horde 227
Bletherin’ Blellums 222
The Klong Toey Soi Dogs 218
Wrath of the Monkey 203
Notorious Nerwenites 203
Kuru's Scrubs 201
Wolf Pack 197
Unnamed Horror 192
The Cupkicks 158
Inzil’s Ignobles 131