NLBFT 13: The Final Battle

[Galefore]

Okay.

Wow.

That may have been the single most self-serving and preachy post I have ever read. Don't make this about you or the ideals you have about what used to be (which, by the way, are not so superior as you say); SD is usually very blunt, and most everyone has come to get used to it. I mean, ****, she's in charge here, or at least partially. It's not a necessity to get a persecution complex simply because you seem to have read too deep into her late-night response over your posting of some bizarre stream of comments about our admittedly lazy standards this year. If you truly wish to decide that you've lost two posts before that is even goddamn official, fine. And if you want to quit fighting in the tournament because you're 'inflicting ur prose on us oh nooooo', fine.

And really, how on earth did you get the impression that SD was angry? Her response seemed like a well thought out and logical response to your original complaints. I mean, earlier when I stammered out my own thoughts about enforcing the time limit she responded to me in a way I could have been angry over, but I chose not to be simply because... Well, guess what? She was right. I'm sorry if you feel offended, but really now, take a step back, reread your post, and think about what you're saying and why it may sound a little weird to the rest of us. Really.

Man, I don't want to argue over this and I'd prefer if this was not met with yet another giant rant, so know that what I say here is final: Any more emorants from you will likely simply be ignored. I'm going out on a limb here just to respond to this one, as I absolutely hate conflict. So far you've been doing goddamned fine. You can't win them all; if you feel that our tournament is all about numerical superiority, whatever. Nobody's gonna take your personal victory away. And besides, just because you suddenly decided it was your writing that interfered with people's lives (WTF dude, where did you even come up with that ****?) does not mean it's true. Either way, wait to make your bizarre comments and reminiscenses until after the tourney's actually over. Srsly.

[I REALLY HATE POKEMON!]

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I can always read this out loud to you over Skype or an mp3.[/b] I am much more interested now in making others feel better than further harming others just to help myself.

Do it; it'll be so funny.
----------------------

Seriously, I have a suggestion. Since the battle was called "over" before Metal Man's mental relapse/forfeiture, I think that the battle should be unbiasedly evaluated for Arcadius' sake. Metal Man shouldn't be allowed to cry away Arcadius' results he worked for, be they victory or defeat. Everybody wants a conclusion to this, including myself as a former participant, and this is the cleanest path to take.

As far as the whole "point deduction" thing goes; nobody else was penalized for the very same issue. That may or may not have been wrong on the judge's behalf, but it happened all the way until this very match and for the sake of fairness, should not be applied.

[PK FIRE!]

Heh to be honest I'm surprized that Metal Man's rant wasn't aimed my way given I was the one who asked Galefore to enxtend the deadline for Arcadius in the first place back in round two.

[Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds]

I'm sorry, MM, but I don't really understand what most of that post is meant to be addressing. You seem to have taken my explanation to mean a lot more that it does, and I would ask you to kindly re-read it and see that I did not mount any attacks against you, your writing or the length of it, and all other things that you inferred firstly.

Thanks, Gale. I wasn't angry at all when I replied (I'm overall too tired for that ;) ).

Yeah, IRHP, fair and unbiased judging shall come from the battle alone, and whatever the other judges have to say about this after-event will be separate.

[Apiary Tazy]

Metal Man-

Welp, I can safely say you did pretty well for yourself. Every attack was well written and interesting as far as I'm concerned (Especially the last one). I do say that you do tend to go off into your own narrative, but most of the time it makes Metal Man a little more interesting. Regardless, you did well on your final Round

Score: 8


Acradius-

As always, I enjoyed reading your posts. You didn't really get to attack too much, but the pressure attack was pretty interesting. I really wish you got to attack more...

Score: 7.5

I'd analyze more, but I have Final Projects to power through. Excuse me.

[Metal Man]

I don't want to argue over this

Of course; that's why the post said I had no interest in fighting over this and forfeited.

Metal Man shouldn't be allowed to cry away Arcadius' results he worked for

My position is one of not caring what happens; it would be the judge's choice to let me 'cry away' such results if they chose to allow that at all.

Now watch irony bite me in the ***.

Heh to be honest I'm surprized that Metal Man's rant wasn't aimed my way

No, I agreed with your idea to extend the time. I was angrier that while we were ending the match due to a time limit, we may well count that into judging as well--otherwise I felt the match should continue.

I'm sorry, MM, but I don't really understand what most of that post is meant to be addressing.

What you said while tired and grouchy got me angry when I was also tired and grouchy. The end.

[I REALLY HATE POKEMON!]

My position is one of not caring what happens; it would be the judge's choice to let me 'cry away' such results if they chose to allow that at all.

I was afraid that a forfeiture, even after the battle but pre-judgment, would affect the final outcome. I didn't want anything other than the battle posts to decide the victor.

Probly. =P

[Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds]

Acradius vs. Metal Man

Acradius: Your description is enthralling and perfectly conveys the feeling of desolation, destruction and rank perversion in the subway system. Concise wording and strong language choices propell your writing forward at a great pace, never lagging or stumbling over too much detail, and your consistent subtle use of humour really completes the picture and gives your character a lot of depth and realism. A creative solution to avoiding the full damage of electricity and turning it to your advantage. I would definitely like to see you do even more in each post, but I also understand that's just not the way the Journeyman rolls, waiting instead for another action to contend with. Great job.


Metal Man: Another great start, and a really interesting setting for this fight, but I feel the battling side of things became a wee bit lax while you focused far more on additional story than before. In previous battles, encounters with the coachman and the farmer/ranger were pockets of spice to the overall theme. This time around, the subplot grew to become the main plot, with the actual fight lagging behind (the second half of your last post, for example). Naturally, props must be given for "boomstick". XD Nice work overall.

Iiiiiinnnnnn addition:
You both (and so many others) have used onomatopoeia as verbs, or in place of a full sentence describing the actions occurring-- crack, boom, smash, blam, etc. Probably (maybe? likely?) just a personal preference, but I'd recommend watching that habit. To me, a repeated use of onomatopoeia usually makes the reading a bit muddy, rather than giving a good effect of action. There is a time and place for everything, and we must be cautious to not over-use such effects. Huzzah!

[Metal Man]

And thanks for the belated but now present explanation, for it has given me what I needed to know.

[Metal Man]

Well, it would appear the third judgment is late again.

A bit ironic, considering people were all up in arms about me blowing away all the 'effort' by conceding.

But it doesn't matter much. Win or lose, this year's tournament has been--as admitted by the judges--rather sloppily run. In truth, I was stupid to care as much as I did; when no one has time to judge or post, winning or losing stops meaning anything.

[I REALLY HATE POKEMON!]

^ Hm, well, it certainly had issues which need to be addressed for next time.

[Kargath]

Acradius vs. Metal Man
Iiiiiinnnnnn addition:
You both (and so many others) have used onomatopoeia as verbs, or in place of a full sentence describing the actions occurring-- crack, boom, smash, blam, etc. Probably (maybe? likely?) just a personal preference, but I'd recommend watching that habit. To me, a repeated use of onomatopoeia usually makes the reading a bit muddy, rather than giving a good effect of action. There is a time and place for everything, and we must be cautious to not over-use such effects. Huzzah!

but I thought you liked Matthew Reilly

[Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds]

Uh, yeah. If you'll note, "we must be cautious to not over-use such effects". 20-some times in an entire novel (Ice Station. I just flicked through it; god it's an awesome book ) is a nicely added spice.

[Metal Man]

Sooome day... over the rainbow....

[Metal Man]

Guess this'll remain undecided. Though even if it is decided...

Well, I may as well say it, though people will probably blow up and melt down because I have the balls to say the truth.

It seems to me like no one really cares anymore. There's a few fighters, many of them who I fought, and some others I witnessed who did their best, win or lose, and were full participants.

Then, there were people like those who just vanished for no reason, and the third judge in this case who hasn't even hopped in to say their judgment would either not be forthcoming or taking a while.

Part of the allure and value of winning a tournament such as this is based around there being other people who would recognize this achievement. In past eras, there was a varied and wonderful group of people, and victory here was a great thing.

But now?

Considering I'm the only one still paying attention now that the two judges who post things are done, it seems to me a moot point to declare a winner. And no, don't go all barmy about how I'm "throwing away Acradius' work away"--he's not even here, or if he is, he's silent as the grave. In fact, I'm all for there being a judgment--if I were about making it some default, 'throw things away' thing, I'd just not post and let this thing die, and then when the next one started, just coyly remark nobody remembered to conclude this thing.

But... really... what does it mean to win this? A pat on the back by a continually shrinking group of people? Acknowledgment that you emerged victorious among a hole-filled and dying base? Considering if the judgment happened, it'd be horrendously late anyway, what does it mean when no one cares?

Well, enough of that subject. The real reason I'm typing about that is this next part, which means a lot more than win, lose, or draw.

Long ago this place was founded because there were a group of dedicated fighters who would never stand for things like this. In fact, there were so many people who were so active this forum was made to hold them so they wouldn't overcome Nintendoland main forum with it.

Call me old fashioned, but what good has the modern stuff done? Little. The work of the old style built this forum; the work of the present serves to abandon it to dust, making it literally into the brown sand-like background it currently has for wallpaper. While the rest of VGF is awake and alive (well, except for those Member forums, hee hee hee) this place is a graveyard to names few people yet remember.

What is my point? Simple.

Ignoring the old ways and the fervor of the past has brought this place nothing but inactivity and death. I do not even need to suggest a course of action; for it is self evident.

Continue as you are and this place will... stay the way it is now--a semi-inactive graveyard.

Try something new... or perhaps revive something old... and perhaps this place could put on a tournament that is actually alive and exciting.

Now of course, people on these VGF boards like to question my logic, because they don't really understand where I'm coming from. So please, let me enlighten you.

I am the webmaster of Super Smash Quest² - and Mobius Roleplay - Main , both of which are active IRC RPGs. Both of which, I revived from the dead.

Still unconvinced? Still think I'm some sort of moron?

With my two hands and the help of others whom aid me, Neglected Mario Characters is no longer a totally dead husk stuck in Christmas. I spend but one or two days a month on it, and yet it still lives more than here.

Oh, yeah. You're probably still doubting me, aren't you?

Jul -- SM64 Hacking I also saved this place from a plague of idiots. While I did not directly contribute code, in the atmosphere I helped make possible, the people here have begun hacking in Banjo Kazooie levels into SM64. Prior to my intervention against morons, they were too bogged down with morons trying to do impossible things in SM64 to do anything.

Oh, but wait. Clearly, I am an idiot. So much so, that Super Mario Bros Headquarters - The Home for Paisanos Everywhere! This front page I helped design must be an illusion.

So, contrary to many people's claims, I do not speak this because it is a theory. I know from 9 years experience. Strike me down where I stand if you still do not believe me, but that doesn't explain why my ideas work everywhere else and people here are somehow immune to the logic of reality itself.

Now, in other places, when faced with this, I have simply left and given up. Indeed, it is their sovereignty to reject what I say, even if it works.

However, the Gunjin was founded in part because of me and the Nintendoland Battlefield Crew. I may not be a mod here but surely I have some dog in this fight? You can't get any closer to the heart of my presence on the internet than to look here, where I made my first steps around it (metaphorically).

And I can't help but find this deadness depressing.

[Galefore]

Yes, it totally motivates me to do things your way when you throw a tl;dr post at me filled with unnecessary sarcasm and links to the other things your mightiness has conquered. You're no moron, but it certainly makes you sound like one to attempt to convince us otherwise by showing off your little accomplishments.

People around here don't take the initiative they used to. Once upon a time, this place was very dead, but I worked my ass off to revive it. That's how I became mod. Since then I've suffered writer's block and several of the veterans who made this place thrilling grew up and moved on, leaving this place once again a little bit lifeless. The new blood around here is still getting used to everything and honestly, I think they're developing quite well. As for me, I actually plan on getting back in action soon enough. Big posts like the one you just completely uninvited launched upon us only serve to piss me off and quite frankly, nobody really cares to listen to you when you act like you're holier than everyone else just because 'omg i wer here furst gaiz'. Give it time. If you're still depressed, go roleplay on those other forums you're so proud of reviving.

However, and hear me out here, I do think it's time to get these new faces involved in more than playful skirmishes. I want them to do something interesting.

About 4 years ago, Wyborn had some progressive ideas that did not go so well as he planned. Rather, they mostly flopped.

Two years ago I tried as well to implement some new things, but participation was out of the question and in the end people ignored them as well.

But then, there were some good ideas in the heap of ambitious drivel: The Tournament of Red Lions, a good old, balls out murderfest where judges can enjoy visceral combat and judge it based on the goriness, and War, an idea of Alex's that worked on a very plain level: it was simple. I think that tells me two things: We need new ideas on this level, and we need to keep them simple. Participation will be a key in getting this place back on its feet.

Now, MM, I have but one thing to ask of you: If you're so depressed, participate. I'm sure you will, but I don't want to hear any more of this inane and repetitive **** coming out of your keyboard. It's annoying, plain and simple. But I will admit, you have motivated me a bit with your ranting. In order to revive this placer I once loved, I have to be the mod I campaigned to be. So let's try one more time.

[Metal Man]

If I could ask for your patience...

It is not my fault that you accidentally interpret my messages as all being hostile; I honestly wish to help make the place active, and since I'm too busy to do more than the participation you see me do as-is, the only thing left is to motivate you.

Therefore, discouraging you is the last thing I want to do. Rather, I was taking aim at the people who are not paying attention but should be. People like that judge who STILL hasn't posted ANYTHING. You, on the other hand, posted your scores and removed yourself when you became too inactive. In fact, if you have time, maybe you could finish this tournament off by giving it your scores.

If you could, reread my post realizing that my intent is to point out how a number of people are gone and some others are just chronically inactive, and the plan is the same as yours: driving up participation.

We both want the same thing; it's just up to you whether you view everything I say as a personal attack on you or not. In the end, my words are saying that new ideas and some of the good old ones like you mentioned are the way to revive the Gunjin;

While the first page ranting and raving I made (and which, I believe, flavored your view of my recent post unconsiously), the tournament things which flopped, and other things you mentioned are obviously not.

[Apiary Tazy]

Then do something

The only way we're going to get anything done is have good fights, roleplaying, Situations, and somesuch.

If all we're gonna do is complain about what could've been, we just don't do much.

Yes, Yes the past was more alive and all, probably because of all the people willing to do so, but now that the explosion is all and done, and the utter lack of being able to entice more people to the forum (or lack of wanting to), the only thing I can think of is to make the place itself more enticing.

The reason I joing VGF in the first place was because of all the fun here. I can't say that this place was any different, but there was still fun to be had.

I'm planning some things, and I would suggest others to bring up activity. Anything to attract others, because yelling at one another about what we can do accomplishes nothing.

[Metal Man]

Of course. I have the power to leverage my connections and bring people here.

I just wished to address the atmosphere first.

For I did not list those simply to brag--I also have connections and people.

I guess it is true--if I were to bring in my people and our way of roleplaying, it wouldn't really matter what was going on now.

Very well then. When the time is right, I shall bring my people here and begin to show what we are capable of doing entirely on our own. Perhaps if I get bored enough, I can also make a high-ranked page driving people here from a search engine...

Then it shall be trivial to revive the place, as it will probably be overflowing.

But... I have some other things to complete before I do anything, and so as to not waste my time flapping my gums over what can be, shall make this my last post on hypothetical possibilities in this forum.

Onward: to a new era!

[Galefore]

Apologies for lashing out, but I'm sure you understand how, considering your behavior earlier, I was so quick to interpret your post as I did.

Either way, ideas are being drummed up. It may be a slow start, but after the success I had last time I'm hopeful that my efforts and the combined efforts of everyone else will get this place on its feet again. And maybe this time, we can keep it there.