ACTA Tournament 2011 - Saturday April 9th

[Centauri_Admiral]

Andy, Shane and myself are due to leave the cannock area, at about 8:30 . . . . google maps has apparently said it will take 1 hour 20 mins to get to the venue, so we should hopefully be on course to arrive for 10am

See ya'll tomorrow!

 

[Da Boss]

Just got a message from TGT, he can't make it after all... hope there's a stand-in

Nope last one here doesn't play

I shall step in and try not to win my own tournament again..........

 

[Da Boss]

Well the 2nd International Babylon 5 ACTA Tournament has finished and I would like to thank everyone who made the journey and made it such a fun experiecne for me to organise and particpate in.

I am sure that many of our followers are desperate to know the results and see some pictures

Final Tournament rankings

Axolos..................7pts (top international player)
Centauri Admiral...18pts (should have brought Centauri, my friend)
Adrian H...............21pts (provider of precious Bravarii !)
Burger.................21pts (Never say "anything but a 1" when rolling)
Da Boss...............29pts (good old Primus, Maximus and Balvarin)
Shut Up Hippie......30pts (Scouts, I see no Scouts)
Alex.....................40pts (Much Destruction was caused)
Star Lynx..............48pts (I have no chance against..oh I have won)
Greg.....................54pts (puts aside invincible Shadows)

Equal Second Place
Clanger................ 60pts (so near first Tourney Victory)
Grand Master Hiff.. 60pts (If you say my ships are orange once more)

The Winner
Kenny................. 98pts (Slayer of Many!!)

Some images of the fun and games

And so it begins

final deciding battle

A man with a trophy

 

[Clanger]

It was a good fun day as they normally all are .

Game 1: A Early Age Earth Force vs Early Age Earth Force. Played Burger which is always great to play him. Had nearly the same Fleet combination so a evenish fight.

There was alot of Railgun goodness being thrown around with a back up from Sagitarius

Game 2: Vorlon Empire vs Brakiri. Played Axolos which was good. I think I will get my first Vorlon Beam ban here. A lot of Vorlon Beamie Goodness all round.

Game 3: Vorlon Empire vs Centauri. Played Hiff which is always a pleasure to play. This is my second Vorlon Beam ban here. A lot of Vorlon Beamie Goodness abound again.

Game 4: Crusade Era Earthforce vs ISA. Played Kenny Boy, a battle for 1st place. Was hoping for my e-mine missile tactic to work but not as well as it should have. The dice Gods always abandon me when playing Kenny.

I think I may get a Vorlon Beam ban at Tourneys now (Or a beating from Axolos and Hiff if I turn up with Vorlons again).

A big thank you to Charles for providing a excellent venue for a fun tourney. A thank you to the ladies for providing us with a excellent chilli and rice dinner. And a thank you to all the people who were there who made it an excellent fun day .

 

[KennyBoy]

Ahhh... Order is restored to the galaxy

A great day, and four great opponents...

Game 1 was my Centauri (3 Vorchan, 1 Maximus, 4 Haven) against Andy's (Aka - Shutuphippie) Early EA (2 Olympus, 1 Olympus Gunship, 2 Saggitarius)
A couple of turns of careful maneouvering saw very little firing... this was not helped by my ridiculously low rolling for Initiative, despite being 3up!
However, I did eventually get Initiative and then my squadron of Vorchans made short work of Andy's Olympus'. THe Maximus' Guardian Array made sure that the fire from his two Saggitarius was sufficiently diminished, then, they too, got the Vorchan treatment :twisted:

Game 2 was my Minbari (2 Teshlan, 1 Tigara) against Burger's Vorlons (2 Frigates, 2 Transports). Again, Initiative rolls were uncommonly poor, but my luck was repaid in other areas... The first firing saw a Transport see and scratch one of the Teshlans, the return fire was Clanger like in its potency... 2AD Beam garnered 9 hits and a few criticals :shock: which equalled one dead Vorlon
The theme of Burger easily breaking Stealth but failing to do any real damage to the Teshlan (which lived on CBD for the entire game) continued for another 3 turns. The only time Burger failed to see the fleeing Minbari ship was preceded by the phrase "anything but a 1" :? which we all know is the best way to guarantee a roll of 1!
The Tigara nd the remaining Teshlan were reaping merry havoc upon the Vorlons, and the last Ancient was soon seen off... sorry Mark (sort of :wink: )

Third game was my ISA (2 WS, 3 WSII, 2 Nolo'Tar) against Alex's Centauri (Primus, Balvarin, 2 Elutarian, 2 Demos)
Could have went either way this one... until I finally managed to outmaneouver the 2 Demos with my WSII trio and then it was all my way from then on.

Last game was my ISA (1 WS Carrier, 1 WS Enforcer, 1 WS, 2 WSII, The Liandra, 2 Blue Stars) against Clanger's Crusade EA (1 Warlock, 1 Missile Apollo, 1 Hyperion, 1 Delphi, 3 missile Chronus, 1 Escort Chronus) and, as he said, the winner of this game would most likely win the tourney...
Paul had a few E-Mines to fling at my Rangers, so I gave him a tempting target of my WS Fighters to fire at... 6 of the 8 dying for the One, but making the Chronus a lot less scary
Paul only got to use his big beam on the Warlock once; however, average rolling (poor for Paul) combined with Dodge and Adaptive Armor meant that no disaster ensued.
With the threat of the E-Mines gone, I felt confident to approach and engage, and there a few fleets that can knife fight like the ISA... Paul lost everything but the Warlock, but the rangers lost no ships :lol:

Can't wait for the next one, though I suspect it will be a few months before we meet again
Thanks to Charles and the staff for a typically brilliant day, and to everyone that turned up to bask in my awesomeness :lol: :roll: :wink:

 

[Greg Smith]

I set aside my all-conquering Shadows, to play one of my other fleets - Psi Corps.

But the ISDs meant their ships were mostly absent for the firts two games.

Game one was Early EA vs Star Lynx's Vree.

Things looked to be going badly in the first few turns as his torpedoes cased two of my ships to run adrift in the first two turns. But one I got in amongst his fleet, my all-round fire and AP guns really told against his hull 4.

Game 2 , was my Psi Corps vs Hiff's Minbari

My fleet was mostly EA allies, with a fighter carrier and some Black Omegas. But against 3 Ashintas my fighters were quickly nuetralised and although my stealth rolls weren't terrible, my Hyperions couldn't seem to actually hit them or crit the Minbari ships. Even a change of dice didn't help my fortunes. The fighter carrier seemed to do more damage than three hyperions put together. So I lost everything.

Game 3 vs Da Boss' Centauri

His Octurion came tearing across the table, determined to annihilate my mothership, which it did. But two flanking Hunter's proved too much for the Centauri.

Game 4 vs Alex

Again an Octurion came charging across the bosrd at my fleet. My Warlock and mothership proved almost too much for it, but not before a massive beam roll and a 6,6 crit killed my warlock. A single Rutarian destroyed my Shadowcloak in one volley. But my Hunters won the day, leaving me with a narrow victory.

It was great day, and I thoroughly enjoyed my games.

 

[H]

many thanks to everyone for a fun day, If i ever see clangers beamy dice again, i may have to start playing warhammer ;-)

much fun and frivolities, and i shall look forward to next year, 4th last year, joint second this, next year can only mean.... wooden spoon ;-)

many thanks to charles for organising this and hosting in his wonderful abode, The chilli was most fine.

 

[Centauri_Admiral]

Had a great day, was good to see all you fellows again, and to get a lesson in how much I've forgot about ACTA

I think I can speak for all 3 of us warlords blokes, that we all enjoyed the day, amazing venue and big thanks go to charles for his organisation and laying on the tournament, and also to the ladies who made us awesome food!

I for one, and I'm sure andy and shane feel the same, am very enthused to get back into B5 ACTA after a long break away from it, so well done chaps!

As far as the Walsall Warlords club goes, I'm very willing to take up the mantle of organising another tournament up here, if I did so . . . are there any takers? Let me know.

So for the games:

1st game - I was using my hasty dilgar/cardassian fleet against hiff's quite tidy looking EA early years I assume fleet. An interesting game, where I made a few silly schoolboy errors really, highlighting how much I've forgotten. An Ochlavita destroyer trashed an Olympus corvette variant, but not before it carved up my Targrath and bloody de-crewed it. A fair few lessons learned there to carry into the next games.

2nd game - Cardassian dilgar again, up against Charles' centauri, and much lament at me having to kill noble Centauri. This was a fun game, and Charles was an excellent sportsman, highlights of the game was me throwing tons of missiles into the Primus and severly damaging it. Only for me to think "meh, its almost dead, lets close the range for the kill . . . . OWW OWW OWW OWW!" yes thats right, me as a centauri player, forgot that a Primus isnt out of the fight, until its destroyed. The badly damaged primus crippled and very nearly destroyed an Omelos and a Targrath. In the end I only lost a patrol level ship; but it could have been a lot worse . . . . really like dilgar though.

3rd game - Crusade EA/the Federation against Star Lynx and his Narn. With the planet blocking most lines of sight, fairly uneventful, he destroyed a hyperion quickly, I canned a Dag'Kar in return. Some expert use of the planets gravity well, saw me quickly turn shanes flank, but luckily for him a very timely come about order, saw his G'Tal swing around to boresight my omega. However, this wasnt so bad, and the game was set to be a draw, except shane remembered he had previously crippled a Hyperion . . . and therefore took the victory. -.-

4th game - Crusade EA/the Federation against Shut up Hippie and his boneheads. A fun game, in which I again didnt compose my fleet properly, most of my ships failed to break stealth, until I practically rammed my warlock down a sharlin's throat . . . . I lost my Warlock, Marathon, Apollo and 2 hyperion for the loss of his 1 Sharlin and some damage to a second Sharlin and Morshin.

All in all, good games, good fun, lessons learnt and . . . . . . the Centauri Admiral has awoken from his slumber, there are scores to settle, bring me my Liatis!

 

[Da Boss]

I for one, and I'm sure andy and shane feel the same, am very enthused to get back into B5 ACTA after a long break away from it, so well done chaps!

As far as the Walsall Warlords club goes, I'm very willing to take up the mantle of organising another tournament up here, if I did so . . . are there any takers? Let me know.

Excellent really good to hear - I think I can speak for Greg's crew that we will def be up for it baring issues with the date.....

Greg has another title to defend IIRC?

look forward ot hearing more!

 

[KennyBoy]

You can pretty much rely on 5 or 6 dudes from our end matey!

And I need to get my King of Walsall title back... 8)

 

[Centauri_Admiral]

Well, once i have finished uni which is the second week in june, i have nearly 4 months off lol

So you could see if you can get the crew to throw some dates at me, probably best to figure it as being a saturday though, but maybe something like the last saturday in june? First in july? If i can get an idea of numbers, i can start talking to the club organisers, and start making plans.

It would be sad for us to lose a venue and an opportunity to play some games.

 

[Centauri_Admiral]

You can pretty much rely on 5 or 6 dudes from our end matey!

And I need to get my King of Walsall title back... 8)

Who took it off you? I cant recall lol

 

[Da Boss]

Greg was until yesterday champion of Walsal and Kettering IIRC

All to play for ................

I'll check work and see what works

 

[Centauri_Admiral]

Ahhhhh, then it shall be a battle of kings and usurpers lol

 

[H]

you know, as dead as the game is officially, I really would like to play some more games, firstly I need to get some measure of revenge on Paul, afer he shattered my confidence and hopes and dreams ;-)
and secondly, cos their are still some of you guys I have never played.

Just a shame it's all so bloody far away, does anyone north of Walsall even play the game (aside from me and Adrian H) Don't even have a shop that can run anything local. nearest game store is so cardcentric it's all a bit scary. I know a "club" i could use the facilities of, but they are historical guys, and not ones for space combat. I'd even rent the room out for the day if I thought i'd get enough of you up here! It's quite a drive though. 3+ hours for Burger, and 2-3 for the Kettering camp.

 

[H]

oh, and most importantly, I got home with money in my posket i meant to give to Charles, can I donate to the house online or anything?

 

[Da Boss]

you know, as dead as the game is officially, I really would like to play some more games, firstly I need to get some measure of revenge on Paul, afer he shattered my confidence and hopes and dreams ;-)
and secondly, cos their are still some of you guys I have never played.

Just a shame it's all so bloody far away, does anyone north of Walsall even play the game (aside from me and Adrian H) Don't even have a shop that can run anything local. nearest game store is so cardcentric it's all a bit scary. I know a "club" i could use the facilities of, but they are historical guys, and not ones for space combat. I'd even rent the room out for the day if I thought i'd get enough of you up here! It's quite a drive though. 3+ hours for Burger, and 2-3 for the Kettering camp.

Well I think the Kettering crew are hppy to come up - so thats 5
And if Ken's driving may only take us an hour

 

[AdrianH]

Just a shame it's all so bloody far away, does anyone north of Walsall even play the game (aside from me and Adrian H)

There are at least two more up here in Scotland, including one whom I play against on a semi-regular basis. None of the others tried to make it to Kettering, though.

Getting to Kettering was an adventure in itself. The train journey was three stage: Edinburgh - York - Sheffield - Kettering. The first train stopped once some distance from York, then again just outside York, meaning I was late for the second train, but that didn't matter because the second train was itself late. Someone else was apparently concerned about a connection because I heard the conductor reassuring them that the train could make up most of the time, and indeed it did. But it didn't matter because south of Sheffield all signals were out of action. This was fixed about an hour later and the train to Kettering finally departed, only then came an announcement that it was only going to stop at Leicester and London. So the three stage journey became four stage as I had to get off at Leicester and get another train for the last bit.

One of the books I'd brought to keep me occupied was "Incompetence" by Rob Grant. The train journey felt like it belonged in the book. So did check-out from Travelodge on Sunday - you were supposed to drop your key into a small box taped to the edge of the counter, only the box had no bottom. Using my camera I was able to get some idea of what was behind the counter, namely a real box on the floor; the taped box was probably meant to be a chute to guide keys into this box, only the floor box had been moved sideways and any key dropped into the counter box would miss it. I managed to get my key into the floor box without the aid of the chute.

As I had plenty of time between leaving Travelodge and getting the first of my trains home, I wandered into Kettering centre and found a Waterstones, where I wanted to buy book five of the "Saga of Seven Suns". Shoplifting would have been easier - there was no staff in sight, not even in the staff room where there was a sign saying to make sure someone was on the shop floor. I switched the staff room light off and on to try to get someone's attention, which worked - just as well or I was going to try lifting one of the iPads on display in the hope of triggering an alarm.

The train journey home, via an almost entirely different route, was fairly uneventful, except in Leicester where the train to Birmingham which was supposed to arrive at platform 3 actually arrived at platform 4. This was because also scheduled on platform 3 a couple of minutes earlier was a train to London which was late.

 

[H]

you know, as dead as the game is officially, I really would like to play some more games, firstly I need to get some measure of revenge on Paul, afer he shattered my confidence and hopes and dreams ;-)
and secondly, cos their are still some of you guys I have never played.

Just a shame it's all so bloody far away, does anyone north of Walsall even play the game (aside from me and Adrian H) Don't even have a shop that can run anything local. nearest game store is so cardcentric it's all a bit scary. I know a "club" i could use the facilities of, but they are historical guys, and not ones for space combat. I'd even rent the room out for the day if I thought i'd get enough of you up here! It's quite a drive though. 3+ hours for Burger, and 2-3 for the Kettering camp.

Well I think the Kettering crew are hppy to come up - so thats 5
And if Ken's driving may only take us an hour

wouldn't risk it with those M6 speed cameras :-(
awaiting a reply from the highways agency on my complaint..

anyhoo, thats grand, 5 there, and me, plus I'd get about 3 local IF there was a tourney and i bullied them lol. Might be a goer, I'll have a ponder on it, and maybe think of scenarios and something to add a twist

 

[Burger]

I would be up for a game up north assuming I can get someone to share petrol with and somewhere to stay over. Will have to see if Stuart wants to see his mum on the same weekend.