Reindeer Games 2003 - An Odds vs. Evens Dynasty

[WSUCougar]

Reindeer Games 2003

Some of you may recall last December’s text-sim-style silliness that I dubbed Reindeer Games, pitting the Odds versus the Evens in a reindeer draft. Thanks to the two hardy participants who did the drafting, it flew for awhile. But it lacked the punch of a true simulation…

…so this year I give you Reindeer Games 2003. Urges to call it Front Office Reindeer (FOR) were duly resisted. :D

Here’s the concept: It’s Odds versus Evens, starting with a reindeer draft, then followed by a dramatic, head-to-head competition hauling toy-laden sleighs in a grueling, ten-stage event. Each stage will include a take-off, flying, and a landing. There will be tough coaching decisions to make, involving deer placement, weather, endurance, and even reindeer-enhancing magic. Effectively managing your team of reindeer will be essential to victory.

For this absurd competition to succeed, I need some festive, holiday-minded folks to take it semi-seriously and contribute. I will do my best to make it an entertaining, competitive experience, but it won’t fly unless you guys chip in for your teams.

The Reindeer

There are a total of 30 reindeer in the draft pool. Teams include eight reindeer at all times (total of 16), and the other 14 remain in the pool as replacements. Once a deer is off a team it is a free agent an can be drafted by either one again. Each deer is rated [1-9] in the following skills:

Take-offs
Landings
Speed
Power
Maneuverability
Navigation
Snow
Teamwork
Endurance
Magic (1-3)

Normally, a 10-sided die-roll will be made against each rating to obtain a positive or negative result. Example: rating is a [6], and a roll of 8 is made, the results is –2. The exceptions are the Endurance and Magic ratings. Endurance is reduced by one for each stage the deer is active (and restored by one for each inactive stage, up to the original rating); if it reaches negative numbers the deer’s other ratings drop accordingly (-1, -2, etc.). Magic represents the total number of re-rolls the deer can have in the game (team must declare which rating to re-roll in advance, and then gets the best of the two rolls).

Gameplay
Victory will be determined by the combined total of stages won and overall score (worth 3 stages).

Each stage goes as follows:

1. Weather is declared for the current and upcoming stages (WSUCougar).
2. Announce lineups (Odds/Evens) - Each team must always have exactly eight deer. A draft prior to Stage 1 establishes the initial teams, and during this segment of stages 2-10 each team may draft as many replacements as they wish (each deer which is swapped out from the previous stage costs the team a –5 score penalty). Each team may also announce any Magic they wish to utilize for take-off. Deer positioning is irrelevant except for the two lead deer, who will add navigation results to flight and double results to all other ratings. Your lead deer are very important!
3. Take-off results are computed (WSUCougar), and each team given a numerical score for the stage as well as overall.
4. Each team declares any Magic they wish to utilize for Flight (Odds/Evens).
5. Flight results are computed (WSUCougar), and each team’s stage and overall scores updated.
6. Each team declares any Magic they wish to utilize for Landing (Odds/Evens).
7. Landing results are computed (WSUCougar), the winner of the stage is declared, and each team’s overall score updated. Endurance ratings are reduced for all active deer.

Take-offs:
Ordinarily a blending of the team’s take-off, speed, power, & teamwork ratings. Weather and endurance can modify. Due to the gradual reduction of toys in the sleigh, power is more important in early stages, and speed is more important in later stages. There is a sliding scale of relative importance for power/speed (1st stage = 75/25%, 2nd stage = 70/30, 3rd/4th stages = 60/40, 5th/6th stages = 50/50, etc.).

Flight:
Ordinarily a blending of the team’s speed, power, & teamwork ratings, plus the navigation ratings of the front two deer. Weather and endurance can modify. Due to the gradual reduction of toys in the sleigh, power is more important in early stages, and speed is more important in later stages. There is a sliding scale of relative importance for power/speed (1st stage = 75/25%, 2nd stage = 70/30, 3rd/4th stages = 60/40, 5th/6th stages = 50/50, etc.).

Landings:
Ordinarily a blending of the team’s landing, maneuverability, & teamwork ratings. Weather and endurance can modify.

Weather:
You will get a weather report for the upcoming stage at the beginning of the current one. In other words, prior to take-off, you will know what the weather is like in both the current and upcoming stages.

The weather for each stage will be one of the following:
1. Clear (flight speed result doubled; navigation result halved)
2. Overcast (no effect)
3. Rain (take-off & landing result doubled)
4. Fog (flight speed result halved; navigation result tripled; maneuverability added to flight and result doubled for landings)
5. Snow (navigation result doubled; snow rating added to take-off/flight/landing)
6. Blizzard (flight speed result halved; navigation result tripled; snow rating doubled and added to take-off/flight/landing; maneuverability added to flight and result doubled for landings)

* * * * *

I'll field any questions, and then we'll announce the 30 reindeer and get down to drafting.

Odds and Evens, initially I will use individual posts for coaching decisions, but if you want to establish a rule (like a coaching decision must be seconded by another player) that's fine with me.

[Coffee Warlord]

MUUUUUSSSSHHHHHH!

[cthomer5000]

Let's go (checking ID number) ODDS!

[Blade6119]

EVENS!!!!!!!

[jfbbis]

ODDS!!!

[TLK]

I think I'm even....

Yep....

[sachmo71]

What am I? Besides old?

[sachmo71]

Is 241 odd or even?

[Abe Sargent]

Hell, I was one of the two players last year and I can't even remember if I am odds or evens. I am going to guess evens.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Dola -


Yay, I was right!


-Anxiety

[WSUCougar]

Alright, Odds won the coin flip for the first pick in the draft (after which you'll just rotate). Deer pool to follow.

The opening weather will be Blizzard in Stage 1, followed by Rain in Stage 2.

[WSUCougar]

ODDs Current Team

1. Vlad
7 Take-offs
4 Landings
9 Speed
9 Power
4 Maneuverability
7 Navigation
6 Snow
8 Teamwork
3(7) Endurance
0 Magic

2. Donner
8 Take-offs
8 Landings
2 Speed
3 Power
4 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
9 Snow
9 Teamwork
4(8) Endurance
3 Magic

3. Rudolph
6 Take-offs
5 Landings
3 Speed
4 Power
4 Maneuverability
7 Navigation
9 Snow
7 Teamwork
0(4) Endurance
1(3) Magic

4. Jingle Bells
1 Take-offs
6 Landings
9 Speed
4 Power
7 Maneuverability
5 Navigation
3 Snow
7 Teamwork
4(8) Endurance
1 Magic

5. Clarisse
2 Take-offs
2 Landings
3 Speed
6 Power
7 Maneuverability (M)
7 Navigation
1 Snow
9 Teamwork
1(5) Endurance
1(3) Magic

6. Vixen
5 Take-offs
2 Landings
6 Speed
8 Power
1 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
1 Snow
6 Teamwork
6(7) Endurance
1 Magic

7. Buck
9 Take-offs
2 Landings
1 Speed
9 Power
6 Maneuverability
3 Navigation
5 Snow
8 Teamwork
1 Endurance
1 Magic

8. Evergreen
8 Take-offs
7 Landings
1 Speed
5 Power
9 Maneuverability
8 Navigation
6 Snow
2 Teamwork
0(2) Endurance
0 Magic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

EVENs Current Team

1. Yuletide
8 Take-offs
6 Landings
1 Speed
8 Power
9 Maneuverability
4 Navigation
9 Snow
2 Teamwork
4(8) Endurance
3 Magic

2. Egg Nog
6 Take-offs
5 Landings
9 Speed
8 Power
9 Maneuverability
6 Navigation
4 Snow
5 Teamwork
0(4) Endurance
1(3) Magic

3. Sugarplum
8 Take-offs
9 Landings
8 Speed
6 Power
3 Maneuverability
5 Navigation
2 Snow
3 Teamwork
0(4) Endurance
1(2) Magic

4. Blitzen
6 Take-offs
3 Landings
8 Speed
2 Power
1 Maneuverability
9 Navigation
3 Snow
7 Teamwork
0(4) Endurance
3 Magic

5. Dasher
5 Take-offs
7 Landings
8 Speed
1 Power
3 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
6 Snow
9 Teamwork
4(8) Endurance
0 Magic

6. Fireball
4 Take-offs
9 Landings
1 Speed
3 Power
4 Maneuverability
4 Navigation
5 Snow
6 Teamwork
3(5) Endurance
1 Magic

7. Hoofmaniac
2 Take-offs
8 Landings
7 Speed
7 Power
4 Maneuverability
3 Navigation
1 Snow
1 Teamwork
5 Endurance
0 Magic

8. Silent Night
3 Take-offs
5 Landings
5 Speed
9 Power
8 Maneuverability
3 Navigation
2 Snow
2 Teamwork
0(2) Endurance
0 Magic
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Available Deer:

Prancer
7 Take-offs
6 Landings
3 Speed
2 Power
7 Maneuverability
3 Navigation
2 Snow
4 Teamwork
2 Endurance
2 Magic

Comet
2 Take-offs
5 Landings
1 Speed
9 Power
1 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
7 Snow
4 Teamwork
7 Endurance
1 Magic

Starfire
2 Take-offs
4 Landings
5 Speed
2 Power
8 Maneuverability
6 Navigation
2 Snow
2 Teamwork
4 Endurance
0 Magic

Blue
6 Take-offs
1 Landings
2 Speed
3 Power
6 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
5 Snow
3 Teamwork
9 Endurance
1 Magic

Flurry
3 Take-offs
3 Landings
5 Speed
7 Power
5 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
9 Snow
2 Teamwork
2 Endurance
2 Magic

Fruitcake
4 Take-offs
4 Landings
6 Speed
1 Power
7 Maneuverability
3 Navigation
3 Snow
4 Teamwork
1 Endurance
1 Magic

Silver Frost
4 Take-offs
7 Landings
5 Speed
3 Power
1 Maneuverability
1 Navigation
9 Snow
2 Teamwork
5 Endurance
2 Magic

Candy Cane
2 Take-offs
3 Landings
7 Speed
3 Power
1 Maneuverability
7 Navigation
3 Snow
9 Teamwork
8 Endurance
0 Magic

Holly
5 Take-offs
4 Landings
1 Speed
4 Power
8 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
1 Snow
3 Teamwork
2 Endurance
2 Magic

Mistletoe
2 Take-offs
5 Landings
4 Speed
7 Power
5 Maneuverability
4 Navigation
1 Snow
3 Teamwork
3 Endurance
1 Magic

Cupid
2 Take-offs
3 Landings
6 Speed
7 Power
9 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
9 Snow
9 Teamwork
0(2) Endurance
1 Magic

Moonbeam
2 Take-offs
3 Landings
8 Speed
8 Power
9 Maneuverability
5 Navigation
4 Snow
8 Teamwork
-1(3) Endurance
0(2) Magic

North Wind
3 Take-offs
1 Landings
7 Speed
3 Power
6 Maneuverability
5 Navigation
6 Snow
5 Teamwork (M)
-1(3) Endurance
0(1) Magic

Dancer
2 Take-offs
7 Landings
9 Speed
7 Power
7 Maneuverability
9 Navigation
5 Snow
7 Teamwork
-1(1) Endurance
0(1) Magic

[tucker342]

checking number

[tucker342]

Go ODDS!

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm thinking I like Yuletide. Any odds have a better idea for a 1st round deer?

[sachmo71]

What are the rules, again?

[Masked]

What's my number?

edit: another odd

[Masked]

Originally posted by Coffee Warlord
I'm thinking I like Yuletide. Any odds have a better idea for a 1st round deer?

Looks like a good one for the first several stages.

[Tasan]

I'll be another even, although I'm not entirely sure what I need to be doing/looking at right now.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Tasan
I'll be another even, although I'm not entirely sure what I need to be doing/looking at right now.
Evaluate the deer for the Evens 1st pick. Note that the 1st Stage is Blizzard and the 2nd is Rain.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally posted by Masked
Looks like a good one for the first several stages.

WSU, give it 1 hour after this post. If none of the odds stop me by then, I choose Yuletide on behalf of Those Who Would Be Odd.

[JAG]

Hold up CW, I like Vlad here. Better navigation, much better teamwork, and (although it's not so important at the start) much better speed. I think he'd make a nice lead reindeer.

[sterlingice]

Go, uh, whatever team I am.

So when does this drafty thing take place?

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally posted by JAG
Hold up CW, I like Vlad here. Better navigation, much better teamwork, and (although it's not so important at the start) much better speed. I think he'd make a nice lead reindeer.

Yeah, it was between Vlad and Yule. Yule has my vote due to the maxed magic and snow rating.

Any other odds out there? Cast your vote. :)

[JAG]

Hm, I still go for Vlad. We can get magic with some other reindeer, but Vlad's got the best combo of speed, power, teamwork, and navigation with decent other stats too. We need this hoss to be our Rudolph. :)

C'mon odds members, help us guide our draft tonight.

[Coffee Warlord]

Alright. I can go for Vlad.

[Tasan]

Hurry and make your pic. I think I get this now, and as soon as you guys pic, we can start talking about the incredible pick we'll make that will blow you guys out of the water ;- )

[illinifan999]

Let's see.....

[Poli]

# check

[Poli]

evens rule

[Qwikshot]

check

[Coffee Warlord]

Screw it.

With the 1st pick of the draft, the Odds Select....


VLAD!

Get your furry ass over here and pull the sled, wanker.

[JAG]

And he will henceforth be known as Erik Flam...er Snowbeard of the Neither North Pole Nor South Pole.

[Coffee Warlord]

Vlad Snowbeard of the Neither North Nor South!

[JAG]

You win, that's better. :)

Step to the front of the sled Vlad. Hail to the odds!

[SCJenkins81]

What in the hell is this? Someone please! Explain this to someone who has no idea what y'all are talking about!

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by SCJenkins81
What in the hell is this? Someone please! Explain this to someone who has no idea what y'all are talking about!
It's a reindeer sim game. Rules are explained in the first post of the thread. Teams are Odds vs. Evens, based on your member # (you are an Odd). We are currently drafting the initial teams of 8 deer apiece.

Evens, you are up...

[FargoFreez aka fof playa]

I like Yuletide for the second overall pick.

[Poli]

I like Yuletide as well.

[Tasan]

Yuletide is the good choice here I think. So when/how do we decide to pick?

[Archer219]

check







mate

[Archer219]

odds rule!!!

[Vince]

Go evens!

I like the Yuletide pick as well.

[JAG]

Assuming the evens take Yuletide, I like Donner for Odds pick #2.

[WSUCougar]

Evens select Yuletide as their 1st deer. I am updating the deer pool post above with the teams at the top. Odds are now up for their 2nd pick.

What I'd recommend is that someone nominates a deer, and then if another person from your team "seconds" the pick that makes it official. Once that occurs, the other team can then proceed with their next pick.

Ho-ho-ho! Carry on!

[JAG]

In that case, I nominate Donner for the second pick of the Odds' draft. Reasoning: He's got some bad attributes, but he has a lot of really high ones (snow, endurance, take off, landing, teamwork) and his good magic can help him cover for the others.

[Radii]

I would second Donner for the odds, no other reindeer has his take off/landing attributes with a reasonable endurance number.

[Coffee Warlord]

In the 2nd round of the draft, odds select Donner!

Get your ass next to Erik Snowbeard and pull the sled, wanker!

[JAG]

You beat me CW.

Evens are now on the clock.

[Coffee Warlord]

We need a name for Donner. :)

[WSUCougar]

Could one of you guys please post over in the General Discussion thread that the Evens are on the clock. I would but it'll look like dola posting at best and internet masturbation at worst. ;)

General Discussion Reindeer Games thread (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17935)

[Blade6119]

I say Eggnog or jingle bells...egg nog is all around solid, with 3 magic also(the max possible)....jingle bells would give us the speed we are lacking...

My vote goes for egg nog this round...dont vote otherwise!

[Blade6119]

i wont be back on-line till like 5:00 western time...it only 10:11 right now...

so i say the evens draft egg-nog!...not letting anybody else decide, but such is life

[Blade6119]

Odds are up!

[Tasan]

Eggnog is good, go with that if we haven't already!

[WSUCougar]

Updated. Odds are on the clock.

[JAG]

I'll nominate Rudolph. Great teamwork, magic, navigation, and snow, and not much worse than average everywhere else.

[Masked]

Rudolph looks okay.

[Katon]

I'll nominate Sugarplum for the evens. His snow score is disappointing, but he has flat out awesome takeoff/landing and good speed & power as well.

[FargoFreez aka fof playa]

Assuming that evens are now up, I'd like to see us pick Evergreen.

Not very good teamwork or endurance ratings, but I think we can make up for that in some of the later picks. And since I've got to go to work, we should look for some speed and teamwork in some of our next picks.

later

[Coffee Warlord]

So we've got...

Vlad aka Erik Snowbeard of the Neither North Nor South
Donner aka Don Reindazzi
Rudolph aka The Red Nosed Flying Furball

[bigjdotcom01]

Originally posted by Coffee Warlord
We need a name for Donner. :)

Donner..."I barely know her"

[bigjdotcom01]

Oh sorry, I'm an even

[WSUCougar]

Odds took Rudolph 3rd. Evens are up and have nominated Sugarplum and Evergreen.

[Tasan]

No no no to evergreen, at least at this point. He's way too slow.

[Tasan]

I second Sugarplum. Decently rounded, with some good primary skills.

[WSUCougar]

Evens land Sugarplum. Odds are up!

[Poli]

drat. just got in and now i'm off to school. i'll be back later.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm liking Dancer as our guy. Top scores in a lot of areas. Sucks at other ones, but hey, he shores up a couple areas we're weak in.

[JAG]

I'll nominate Moonbeam. Good power, speed, teamwork, and brings much needed manueverability to the squad. Also 2 magic will be nice. A little better endurance than Dancer too.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm sticking to my guns on Dancer this time, over Moonbeam. We need a tiebreaker. :)

[JAG]

After two stages, Dancer'll be sucking wind while Moonbeam will still be flying through the night! :)

Recommended name: Moon('syou)Beam

[Coffee Warlord]

Moonbeam will break his leg trying to land on the first stage. :)

Edit: I just re-read the rules regarding endurance. Ew.

Fuck my guns. We draft MOONBEAM!

[WSUCougar]

Moonbeam it is. Evens, you're up.

[Katon]

I think we need to pull a lead deer about now. Who has high navigation? From what I can see, here are the main candidates:

Evergreen looks good apart from the stamina. Note that speed is less important at the start; if we're gonna get him, let's get his two or three stages at the start.

Clarisse is slow (not so much of a problem early on) and is going to break one leg breaking off, another landing. Still, Sugarplum can cover for that, and I like her teamwork and magic.

Nominating Clarisse, could live with Evergreen.

[KevinNU7]

Let's Go....

[KevinNU7]

EVENS!

[Blade6119]

Id say blitzen....he seems a more solid reindeer, and has that magic and endurance i like....he should be a rock for us if we dont put him up front...that navigation seems to be his only downfall

[Blade6119]

or jingle bells...i mentioned her as a possible round 2 pick...i think either of these two would be solid deer, and we need all around right now...in the later rounds we can fous on specialties, but the all around deer are going off the board and we need to grab them...ones with a few great and a few lousy should be around later

[Blade6119]

any thoughts...evergreen has too low of endurance for my likes, and by the sound of it we will need some...clarisse is alright, but i just feel there are more solid options available...right now my list looks like so:
1.Blitzen
2.Jingle Bells
3.Clarisse

[Blade6119]

since WSU is on now, id say take blitzen, but i want a second opinion before taking the pick...anyone?

[Tasan]

I'll second blitzen

[JAG]

In that case, with Evens taking Blitzen, I will nominate Jingle Bells. Good guy...er deer...for the long haul.

[sterlingice]

Definitely Jingle Bells. I was hoping they wouldn't take him. I'll second that nomination.

SI

[JAG]

Good teamwork SI. :)

Evens are on the clock!

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by JAG
Good teamwork SI. :)

Evens are on the clock!

I'd have been helping out earlier but I was at class all day so I just got caught up in the game this afternoon.

SI

[Blade6119]

who now boys?...katon wanted clarisse...give me a sec to look at stats

[Blade6119]

my vote goes for dasher if jingle bells is gone...just noticed him and he looks like another solid reindeer...

anyone second dasher?

[Vince]

Endurance and all, I think Dancer's a pretty solid pick. Even with a penalty on most of his scores, he's one of the better 'deer. I'd say this is my preference right now:

Dancer
Clarisse
Dasher

[Katon]

Well, we still need another lead deer, and I think Clarisse is the best bet for that, but Dasher looks good to me. Second Dasher.

Just looked at Blitzen, and one of our navigation spots looks pretty well filled. Can't see how I missed him; definitely better than Clarisse. Good call on our last pick.

[JAG]

Nominating Cupid for the odds. Kickbutt snow, maneuver, teamwork, pretty good speed and power, lousy endurance, but he'll be great for the start.

[Coffee Warlord]

Ahh, good to see SI picking up the slack while I was at dinner. :)

Cupid's ours.

[JAG]

EVENS...are on the clock.

[sterlingice]

Cupid was one of the two deer on my shortlist. I'd have mentioned it but my net went out for a few minutes.

SI

[Katon]

Well, now that the odds have started picking the ones with weaker endurance, I say we nab Dancer.

[WSUCougar]

Wow, you guys have jammed, great job.

I've updated the teams and the reindeer pool. Evens are on the clock.

[Blade6119]

considering last round thats two for dancer, and ill back it up...dancer it is

[JAG]

I nominate Clarisse for the Odds.

[Blade6119]

prick;)

[sterlingice]

JAG, check out your PM box for some more reindeer strategizing.

SI

[Blade6119]

send it to me too sterling!

[Qwikshot]

check

[Blade6119]

another odd....dang

[JAG]

Originally posted by Blade6119
prick;)

Thanks for the suggestion Blade, I hadn't noticed Clarisse before! ;)

[Qwikshot]

I like Clarisse for the odds then.

[Blade6119]

its ok...ive got two or three others id settle with...gotta have a team chat like usual where i post and no one replies

[Poli]

noted, AE is here.

[sterlingice]

I got ardent to help the evens out. I figured it couldn't hurt us at all ;)

SI

[Poli]

hater. :)

[Poli]

Blade, want to PM me what you're thinking? I've been out of the loop a bit. For most of the darn game, actually. :)

[Blade6119]

well...i needed some Missouri help...but hes a little late...already in the later rounds

[Blade6119]

Originally posted by ardent enthusiast
Blade, want to PM me what you're thinking? I've been out of the loop a bit. For most of the darn game, actually. :)

composing one now for ya

[Poli]

sorry, bro. I'm in Chi town right now. :) I'll do what I can though. :)

[JAG]

*sniffs*

smells like...chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

[Poli]

don't hate, I'm trying to communicate with my even brothers. You may recall, I was once like all of you. That is, odd. :)

[Blade6119]

sent the PM...long as hell, but useful for almost the rest of the draft

[sterlingice]

I feel it necessary to point out that the draft is only 2 more reindeer long.

SI

[Blade6119]

i know

[sterlingice]

Actually, I suppose it's 3: 2 of yours and 1 of ours.

SI

[Poli]

So much hatred, so many deer to choose from. So few rounds in which to choose them. :)

[Poli]

With the next pick in the Reindeer draft, I nominate Evergreen for the Evens.

[Blade6119]

lol....i love how sterling is getting nervous of the ass-whooping he knows is coming from us Missouri Men

[Blade6119]

Ill second evergreen!

[Blade6119]

your up odds...

[Poli]

Fear our tree!

[sterlingice]

In the interim, I've decided on a happy musical selection. It's perfect for warping the minds of children, young and old. I know it helped me along. If you've never heard it before, it's glorious :D


The Night Santa Went Crazy
Weird Al Yankovic

Down in the workshop all the elves were makin' toys
For the good Gentile girls and the good Gentile boys
When the boss busted in, nearly scared 'em half to death
Had a rifle in his hands and cheap whiskey on his breath
From his beard to his boots he was covered with ammo
Like a big fat drunk disgruntled Yuletide Rambo
And he smiled and said, with a twinkle in his eye,
"Merry Christmas to all, now you're all gonna die!"

The night Santa went crazy
The night St. Nick went insane
Realized he'd been gettin' a raw deal
Something finally must have snapped in his brain

Well, the workshop is gone now, he decided to bomb it
Everywhere you'll find pieces of Cupid and Comet
And he tied up his helpers and he held the elves hostage
And he ground up poor Rudolph into reindeer sausage
He got Dancer and Prancer with an old German Luger
And he slashed up Dasher just like Freddie Krueger
And he picked up a flamethrower and barbecued Blitzen
And he took a big bite and said, "It tastes just like chicken!"

The night Santa went crazy
The night Kris Kringle went nuts
Now you can't hardly walk around the North Pole
Without steppin' in reindeer guts

There's the National Guard and the F. B. I.
There's a van from the Eyewitness News
And helicopters circlin' 'round in the sky
And the bullets are flyin', the body count's risin'
And everyone's dyin' to know, oh Santa, why?
My my my my my my
You used to be such a jolly guy

Yes, Virginia, now Santa's doing time
In a federal prison for his infamous crime
Hey, little friend, now don't you cry no more tears
He'll be out with good behavior in 700 more years
But now Vixen's in therapy and Donner's still nervous
And the elves all got jobs working for the postal service
And they say Mrs. Claus, she's on the phone every night
With her lawyer negotiating the movie rights

They're talkin 'bout the night Santa went crazy
The night St. Nicholas flipped
Broke his back for some milk and cookies
Sounds to me like he was tired of gettin' gypped

Wo, the night Santa went crazy
The night St. Nick went insane
Realized he'd been gettin' a raw deal
Something finally must have snapped in his brain
Wo, something finally must have snapped in his brain
Tell ya, something finally must have snapped... in his brain

[Blade6119]

i see someone is stalling....and its an odd too...how funny

[Poli]

pathetic, really. :)

[WSUCougar]

Updated. Final round of the initial draft, Odds are on the clock.

After the draft, you'll select the two lead deer for each team. In the blizzard of Stage 1, this will be EXTREMELY important. ;)

[Coffee Warlord]

....

wait for it.....

wait for it...


BUCK!

[Blade6119]

is that your pick or your suggestion?

[sterlingice]

Inbox cleared out, btw.

SI

[Blade6119]

I repeat...is that decision final?

[Qwikshot]

Vixen, Candy Cane,

[sterlingice]

Hey, WSU, can you reroll endurance?

SI

[Blade6119]

come on odds...

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by sterlingice
Hey, WSU, can you reroll endurance?
No, since Endurance is not a die-roll rating. Sorry! :cool:

[Blade6119]

sterling...talking to qwikshot at all?...seems a disagreement is taking place

[JAG]

Can't pass up his takeoff, power, teamwork, and maneuverability. I second Buck.

[Qwikshot]

I rescind my suggestion.

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by Blade6119
sterling...talking to qwikshot at all?...seems a disagreement is taking place

I'm trying to talk between 3 guys right now. You've got a coalition of 2 to organize while I keep messaging Qwik, CW, and JAG and we're trying to balance a couple of different things.

SI

[WSUCougar]

Buck it is. Evens are up.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by sterlingice
I'm trying to talk between 3 guys right now. You've got a coalition of 2 to organize while I keep messaging Qwik, CW, and JAG and we're trying to balance a couple of different things.

It's an all-out reindeer bruhaha. Or bru-ho-ho?

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by WSUCougar
It's an all-out reindeer bruhaha. Or bru-ho-ho?

*groan* :rolleyes: :p

Oh, BTW, WSU- awesome idea. This is one of the more inventive and fun little dynasties that I've seen in a while :D

SI

[Poli]

our pick?

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by ardent enthusiast
our pick?
Aye!

And thanks, SI. I'm getting a kick out of it myself.

[Blade6119]

OK team...any evens here besides ardent and I are going to have to help here...we are stuck on two reindeer:

Hoofmaniac, the physical specimen with some solid specilized stats, and Northwind, the all around good guy...heres a comparison:

Northwind-----Hoofmaniac
2 Take-offs-----3 Take-offs
1 Landings-----8 Landings
7 Speed-----7 Speed
3 Power-----7 Power
6 Maneuverability-----4 Maneuverability
5 Navigation-----3 Navigation
6 Snow-----1 Snow
5 Teamwork-----1 Teamwork
3 Endurance-----5 Endurance
1 Magic-----0 Magic

Never noticed the Hoof. It's a darn close one between those two. I've flipped my choice already twice. Perhaps the odds will make it easy for us.


WSU said in the rules that Snow would be key in blizzard:

The weather for each stage will be one of the following:
1. Clear (flight speed result doubled; navigation result halved)
2. Overcast (no effect)
3. Rain (take-off & landing result doubled)
4. Fog (flight speed result halved; navigation result tripled; maneuverability added to flight and result doubled for landings)
5. Snow (navigation result doubled; snow rating added to take-off/flight/landing)
6. Blizzard (flight speed result halved; navigation result tripled; snow rating doubled and added to take-off/flight/landing; maneuverability added to flight and result doubled for landings)

So speed will be less important, snow and manueverablity more important...and we have our two lead deer already, so discount his comment....rain is up for the second stage, so the take-off and landing are important too...

Looks like they picked buck, not helping our decision at all...

Looking at weather, i say we end up with north wind due to his weather stats being better...but hoof has that power...its really a close one for me....id be down with both...after odds pick(which looks like hasnt happened yet we shuld put these two in the thread and see what our team thinks)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Anyone got any thoughts on this before ardent and i decide?

[sterlingice]

{in falsetto even voice} We think you should have Santa pull the sleigh.

SI

[Blade6119]

santa might have some kick ass power, magic, teamwork, snow, and landings, but would suck everywhere else..escpecially manueverability

[Blade6119]

Note, switch HOOFMANIAC's name with NORTHWIND...ill edit

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by sterlingice
{in falsetto even voice} We think you should have Santa pull the sleigh.
Santa's out 42 weeks with Repetitive Bowl-Full-o'-Jelly Syndrome.

:D

[Poli]

I heart NorthWind and HoofManiac.

[Blade6119]

anyone got any thoughts, before i PM ardent to decide?

[Blade6119]

Can we surgically put the two together making an uber deer and an easier pick?

[WSUCougar]

Tasan is an Even and is online.

[Blade6119]

Thnx, PMed him

[Tasan]

Hmm, interesting picks. This last pick should strengthen weak areas we'll need early. Is there any 1 or 2 area(s) we are weak at right now?

[Blade6119]

Power is big early, which makes me lean towards hoof, but the early weather suggests northwind...hence the dilemma

[JAG]

Odds selected Buck, so Evens are on the clock.

[Poli]

I heart northwind

[Blade6119]

thats how your leaning ardent?...i just sent Tasan the big list, and he should be able to give his opinion in a sec..

[Tasan]

do we have a good collection of takeoff and landing? I think if we do, we should just go with Northwind for the early going.

[Blade6119]

here is our current line-up:

EVENs Current Team

1. Yuletide
8 Take-offs
6 Landings
1 Speed
8 Power
9 Maneuverability
4 Navigation
9 Snow
2 Teamwork
8 Endurance
3 Magic

2. Egg Nog
6 Take-offs
5 Landings
9 Speed
8 Power
9 Maneuverability
6 Navigation
4 Snow
5 Teamwork
4 Endurance
3 Magic

3. Sugarplum
8 Take-offs
9 Landings
8 Speed
6 Power
3 Maneuverability
5 Navigation
2 Snow
3 Teamwork
4 Endurance
2 Magic

4. Blitzen
6 Take-offs
3 Landings
8 Speed
2 Power
1 Maneuverability
9 Navigation
3 Snow
7 Teamwork
4 Endurance
3 Magic

5. Dasher
5 Take-offs
7 Landings
8 Speed
1 Power
3 Maneuverability
2 Navigation
6 Snow
9 Teamwork
8 Endurance
0 Magic

6. Dancer
2 Take-offs
7 Landings
9 Speed
7 Power
7 Maneuverability
9 Navigation
5 Snow
7 Teamwork
1 Endurance
1 Magic

7. Evergreen
8 Take-offs
7 Landings
1 Speed
5 Power
9 Maneuverability
8 Navigation
6 Snow
2 Teamwork
2 Endurance
0 Magic

[Tasan]

Well I say Northwind then.

[Poli]

Definitely leaning North.

[Blade6119]

Then lets do it:

Evens pick Northwind!

[Poli]

2nded

[Blade6119]

He said we had to pick our lead deer, so i say id put either Blitzen and Dancer up front or Blitzer and Evergreen....

WSU, isnt the only stat important for lead deer navigation?..or are others factored in?

[WSUCougar]

Okay, teams are set for Stage 1 (Blizzard). Choose your Leads (2 apiece)!

And select any magic use wish you employ for Take-Off.

[Blade6119]

I dont know on magic...how many stages we got?

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Blade6119
WSU, isnt the only stat important for lead deer navigation?..or are others factored in?
Navigation is only utilized by Lead deer, but all of their other ratings/effects are DOUBLED, too, in addition to weather effects.

[Blade6119]

i say Blitzen and dancer then

[WSUCougar]

Particularly in a Blizzard, you'll certainly want good Navigation deer up front. Also, magic could play a key roll in this opening Stage due to the severe weather. Look at the differences in Take-off/Flight/Landing, however.

[Tasan]

Blitzen and dancer for the lead on evens, seconded.

[Blade6119]

what you guys thiking on magic?

[WSUCougar]

For fairness, let's say that the team that drafts first in each Stage must declare their magic first. That would mean Odds must declare first for Stage 1.

(Evens will draft first in Stage 2, Odds in 3, etc.).

[Blade6119]

We redraft every stage?!!!!

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Blade6119
We redraft every stage?!!!!
It's optional, but once Endurance drops (and/or weather changes) you'll want to swap out deer.

[Poli]

sorry, fell out due to pc probs

[Blade6119]

Originally posted by ardent enthusiast
sorry, fell out due to pc probs

no problem man...just discussing our team strategy

[Blade6119]

Originally posted by WSUCougar
It's optional, but once Endurance drops (and/or weather changes) you'll want to swap out deer.

More like free agnecy, not a redraft...we can sawp deer from the free agent pool?

Or do you mean what i fear in that we will repeat todays drat for every stage

[WSUCougar]

The Odds have gotten very quiet. (uh-oh)

[Blade6119]

its fear...and the fact im posting every 2 seconds since im on a caffine boost right now...but the odds know they are going down...hard too

[Poli]

don't like redrafting, that's for sure

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Blade6119
More like free agnecy, not a redraft...we can sawp deer from the free agent pool?

Or do you mean what i fear in that we will repeat todays drat for every stage
You can keep as many or few of your team as you want for the next stage, but if you do want to swap one or more out, it will be done in a draft style rotation like we just completed. Chances are it will only be a couple of deer here and there. That's where the Endurance rating will really come into play.

[Blade6119]

ok...glad we drafted mostly high endurance deer for evens...but i got your drift

[Blade6119]

that means evergreen will be gone soon though

[WSUCougar]

Man, once Dancer gets into the air he gives it all he's got for one studly stage, and then is gassed.

[Blade6119]

Originally posted by WSUCougar
Man, once Dancer gets into the air he gives it all he's got for one studly stage, and then is gassed.

yah....that one was not something im proud of...

[Coffee Warlord]

I officially dub myself Keeper of the Holy Whip.

MUSH! Move it you flying furballs!

[JAG]

Well, I'll throw this out for the odds opening stage. Any odds people can feel free to agree/disagree.

Lead Deer: Donner and Cupid

Magic to use in opening stage:

Donner on power.
Rudolph on power.
Moonbeam on snow.
Clarisse on snow.

That's it for now.

[Blade6119]

WSU, does magic accumulate for a team total to throw around, or is it only useable on that deer

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Blade6119
WSU, does magic accumulate for a team total to throw around, or is it only useable on that deer
Magic applies only to that particular deer.

[Blade6119]

and the magic can only be used once?

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Blade6119
and the magic can only be used once?
It's not renewable, if that's what you mean. A Magic rating of 3 means that you could re-roll a total of 3 rolls for that deer in the whole game.

[Blade6119]

ok...i think i done with ?s...when are we starting the round, as im planning on going to bed now and hitting this up for our teams magic and stuff in the morning...that cool?

[JAG]

Whoa, that changes things a bit from what I was thinking then. :)

In that case, no magic used on the opening stage from me. And I change the suggested lead deer to Rudolph and Cupid.

[WSUCougar]

Yeah, I'm out too. We'll pick it up tomorrow.

[Coffee Warlord]

Well, I'm putting the 'not yet' flag on that lead deer/magic call, if it's not re-usable then. Too much magic to use on the first round. We need to discuss more. :)

[JAG]

Alright, for the record then, here is my choice for magic use and lead reindeer:

Lead reindeer: Cupid is a must, and then I give a slight edge to Rudolph over Donner.

Magic: None (yet)

[Katon]

Alright. Blitzen and Dancer leading on Evens and I think we ought to hold off on magic also for the first round. Anyone to second this plan?

[Blade6119]

ill second it

[JAG]

Now I just need an odd to wake up. :)

[Blade6119]

im off to school...ill be checking in in a few hours then im off till 6:00 Pacific time

[Coffee Warlord]

I'll go with JAG for the lead deer.

[WSUCougar]

Stage I: Take-off

Odds: Cupid/Rudolph, no magic
Evens: Blitzen/Dancer, no magic

Speak now or forever hold your peace.

"Gentlemen, you may load your sleighs..."

[Coffee Warlord]

MUSH!

[WSUCougar]

Stage 1: Take-off

Evens:
Right out of the toy shed the Even team had problems. The lead deer (Blitzen & Dancer) struggled with their take-offs, but the real disappointments were Yuletide and Evergreen, who normally excel in that area. Egg Nog and Sugarplum aced the lift-off, and helped cover for the others, but the takeoff was still poor.

Once in the air, Dancer really cranked it, blasting through the swirling snow with both speed and power that partner Blitzen could not match. Yuletide, perhaps ashamed of his poor start, rallied with both his speed & power. Egg Nog must have shot his bolt, because he tanked the rest of the take-off phase. Sugarplum and Dasher raced along without pulling much in the power department, and really struggled with the snow. Northwind fared satisfactorily, but Evergreen virtually mailed it in.

Overall, the team did not work very well together as a unit, and the Take-off rated a pathetic [-18] score.

Odds:
If the Evens take-off was poor, the Odds was an outright disaster. Cupid slipped and fell, which had a ripple effect behind him as Jingle Bells and Clarisse both stumbled. Moderate take-off success by the rest of the team could not overcome this mess. As they climbed into the sky, the lead deer’s speed and power were both poor (although they carried the team in facing the thick snow). Moonbeam in particular was a star in this respect, but he – like the bulk of the team – were quite hindered by the blizzard. Clarisse and Donner really struggled to add anything. Though Vlad’s speed was impressive, both he and Buck failed to provide the power they were expected to.

As expected, the Odds’ teamwork buoyed them up, but it was still a horrid start, ending in a [-27] score.

* * * *
Overall Score
Evens: -18
Odds: -27

Admittedly, this was a brutal start, but don’t lose heart!

Declare your magic (Odds first) for the Flight phase of Stage 1.

[JAG]

Dang, that WAS brutal.

Alright, for magic, I say let's have Cupid use magic on navigation. He's got such poor endurance he won't be around for long anyway and navigation should be important in this upcoming stage. No other magic than that though.

[Coffee Warlord]

Jag, you're fired if we botch this run. :)

I'll back you up on the flight.

[Blade6119]

Does magic regenerate like endurance if they dont go on that stage?

[JAG]

LOL agreed. I'll sit in the back of the sleigh and sort presents. :)

[sterlingice]

Ok, just woke up and you have a PM, JAG.

Also, WSU, I think Blade's onto something with magic regeneration. That will give the crappy deer in the pool something to hang their hat on.

SI

[Katon]

Well, if the magic regeneration thing goes ahead then we probably want to use Dancer's magic now. I'll call Dancer magic on snow, since one of our lead deer needs to do a good job on the snow and it isn't really a strength of theirs.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Blade6119
Does magic regenerate like endurance if they dont go on that stage?
Good idea! That works for me if both sides agree.

[Katon]

Since WSUCougar is an even can we deputize him to make magic decisions on the spot? :)

Seriously, I agree to the whole regenerating magic proposal. Another even to second?

[Tasan]

Um, he's running the game, so I think he can do that ;- )

[JAG]

I also will go for that. PM back at you SI.

[WSUCougar]

Odds magic: Cupid (navigation) seconded

Evens magic: Dancer (snow) proposed

[JAG]

Originally posted by WSUCougar
Stage 1: Take-off

Yuletide, perhaps ashamed of his poor start, rallied with both his speed & power.

What, rallied with his 1 speed? :)

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by JAG
I also will go for that. PM back at you SI.

Sounds good. Time to hope for some better rolls than last time.

SI

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by JAG
What, rallied with his 1 speed? :)
Well, yeah, but he rolled a 1!

[JAG]

So do you do one roll for each deer that goes for all their stats that round?

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by JAG
So do you do one roll for each deer that goes for all their stats that round?
No. But do not further pursue the path of enlightenment, Grasshopper. The secrets of the Reindeer Game are not for the craven unclean. :D

[JAG]

I suppose Santa's gotta have some secrets. :)

[Blade6119]

Originally posted by Katon
Well, if the magic regeneration thing goes ahead then we probably want to use Dancer's magic now. I'll call Dancer magic on snow, since one of our lead deer needs to do a good job on the snow and it isn't really a strength of theirs.

I second this proposal...i say we save our other magic for now, and either use it on their last flight before free agent pool or we odds catch up...right now we have the lead, and im comfortable where we are...dancer is a solid lander, so lets use his magic on snow and pray for a good flight!

[Blade6119]

Originally posted by JAG
I suppose Santa's gotta have some secrets. :) ive got a secret for ya...ya gonna lose

[WSUCougar]

Alright, we're locked in for the Flight phase of Stage 1.

[JAG]

Originally posted by Blade6119
ive got a secret for ya...ya gonna lose

Ooooo...why you...*reaches into sack of NFL coaching cliches* ah, here's the one I want:

It's a marathon, not a sprint.

[Blade6119]

good thing, since you guys cant even take off without falling over...its gotta suck knowing your gonna lose and have no ability to change it...and another coaching cliche is "Odds sucks ass;)"

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by Blade6119
good thing, since you guys cant even take off without falling over...its gotta suck knowing your gonna lose and have no ability to change it...and another coaching cliche is "Odds sucks ass;)"

I'll coaching cliche you!

(Homer: "I'll practice you!"
Lisa: You'll practice me...what does that even mean? Is it supposed to be some sort of a threat?)

SI

[WSUCougar]

Stage 1: Flight

Odds:
Flight navigation by the lead deer was adequate at best. Yet the team really pulled together, and with a group effort forged their way ahead. Cupid plowed through the snow extremely well, enhanced by his sharp maneuvering. Rudolph didn’t offer much, and Moonbeam disappointed in both maneuverability and snow. Vlad contributed power like he should, and fared well in other areas. The other deer were limited or inconsistent with their contributions. Flight Score: +73 Overall Score: +46

Evens:
Blitzen and Dancer set a good pace with pin-point navigation, and Dancer followed this up with impressive scores in navigation, power, and snow. With the exception of a little speed and the aforementioned navigation, Blitzen was a hindrance more than anything, and his maneuverability was downright rancid. Yuletide was a snow-buster; actually, except for Blitzen and Sugarplum, the whole team blazed through the snow. Egg Nog, Dasher, and Sugarplum were no-shows in key areas. Evergreen provided some kick in maneuvering through the blizzard. Northwind was a wash. Flight score: +63 Overall Score: +45

* * * * *

Odds: +46
Evens: +45

Declare magic for landing!

[Coffee Warlord]

Of the opinion we hold off on any more magic righ now, and take our chances with the dice.

[JAG]

That was more like it! Rudolph has sure disappointed as lead reindeer though.

Odds magic: Rudolph (maneuverability) proposed

Bring something to the table or it's off to the glue factory with you! (or wherever they bring worn out reindeer)

[JAG]

dola

WSUCougar, for rain in the weather conditions, when it says "take off and landing results doubled", does that mean the final results of the takeoff and landing stages are doubled or that the results of the takeoff and landing rolls for the deer are doubled?

And CW, you have a pm.

[Katon]

Dancer's magic worked! Pity bout the other deer, really.

What we have here is a very, very close stage in which (courtesy of the weather) maneuverability is extremely important. I think it's worth one of our lower-stamina deers with 3 magic burning one to make sure of the stage and so I nominate Egg Nog to use magic on maneuverability.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by JAG
WSUCougar, for rain in the weather conditions, when it says "take off and landing results doubled", does that mean the final results of the takeoff and landing stages are doubled or that the results of the takeoff and landing rolls for the deer are doubled?
The latter. Specifically, it doubles the effect of the rolls against the takeoff and landing ratings.

[Coffee Warlord]

Seconding JAG's plan, with the Red Nosed Whelp using more magic.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Katon
so I nominate Egg Nog to use magic on maneuverability.
Waiting on an Even second - or I'll proceed with the landing shortly.

[Vince]

I'll second.

[WSUCougar]

Stage 1 - Landing

Evens:
Dancer did his best to maneuver the sleigh into landing position, but the heavy snowfall and Blitzen’s lack of assistance hindered the effort. Yuletide and Egg Nog chipped in with strong maneuvering, but Dasher, Evergreen, and Northwind limited their effectiveness. The landing itself was a minor disaster; Dasher and Dancer were the only solid contributors, while the rest of the team failed it miserably. Northwind crumpled into the snow and was dragged along like the deadweight he’d been most of the stage. Overall, the result was a poor -26, resulting in an overall score of +19.

Odds:
Maneuvering through the snow-infested landing pattern, Cupid simply turned in a stellar performance, and really was a pathfinder. His fellow leader, Rudolph, maneuvered well but struggled with the snow. No other deer distinguished themselves, except for Donner and Jingle Bells in their blundering maneuvers through the blizzard. When it came to peg the landing, Cupid finally ran out of gas, but the rest of the team picked him up and salvaged a very good performance for an impressive +47, a +93 overall score, and the Stage 1 victory!

* * * * *

Overall Score:
Odds +93 and 1 Stage
Evens +19

* * * * *

Endurance and Magic ratings have been updated on the deer.

We now hold a brief mini-draft to replace any deer you wish to drop. Remember that each deer that you replace costs a (-5) overall score penalty. For your pick you may either drop a deer from your team and select a replacement, or pass. Evens get the first pick in this stage, and then teams trade off picks until both have passed on consecutive picks. You may still draft later after passing, as long as both teams have not passed on consecutive picks (at which point the draft ends).

Proposed draft picks will need to be seconded, but in order to keep things moving, the pick will be official once two hours have gone by regardless of seconding, and the other team may pick.

Weather for Stage 2 is Rain, and for Stage 3 is Fog.

Evens are on the clock!

[JAG]

Woohoo! The ending was more like it!

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by JAG
Woohoo! The ending was more like it!

Great planning. We may have started bad, but we finished well. You have a PM waiting for you, JAG.

SI

[JAG]

Bumped for you even-keeled folk.

[Poli]

I'd love to help, but I'm hopelessly lost in the weekend shuffle. :(

[Katon]

We might want to replace Dancer, but he doesn't actually suffer any penalties yet, and I like him much better than any of the remaining deer. I say we stick with the current team.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Katon
We might want to replace Dancer, but he doesn't actually suffer any penalties yet, and I like him much better than any of the remaining deer. I say we stick with the current team.
Okay - unless another Even offers a different opinion, this "PASS" will become official in 2 hours from Katon's post, and the Odds will be on the clock.

[WSUCougar]

Evens have passed, Odds are on the clock.

[JAG]

Yes! They passed, we get first dibs on the reindeer still out there!

I vote for passing. :)

[sterlingice]

I second. Let's ride.

SI