What's a tournament?

[JCP]

Tournament play is something that we in admin-land have been discussing for a while.

Instead of long term continuous play, a tournament server is set up for a limited amount of time. Players compete against each other starting off as equals and knowing that the clock is ticking. In a world without gods - who will emerge the victor?

Different tourneys can have different rules - even ones that would not make sense on a persistant server.

Our favorite SaucyWench has taken it upon herself to try to start a Tourney Server (actually more than one) in order to explore the idea further.

Right now, players are competing for in-game benefits, like lodge points.

And just so everyone is clear on where this is going - this is one approach to make LotGD servers more profitable. Imagine Tourney Servers where you have entrance fees that pay for cash prizes and server costs. We're not there yet, but SW's games are some early steps in that direction.

And now I'm going to step back and let SW explain and answer things.

[SaucyWench]

I'll actually start another thread to tell you about Purple, the first one.

But what exactly is a tourney server all about?

Tourney (tournament) is a competition focussing on just one part of the LoGD experience. You could have all sorts of kinds - maybe one where the idea is to collect the most gold, or the most gems, or be the fastest, or whatever. For quite a while players have indicated that they think they have the best strategy, and wish they had a place to try it out. As JCP mentioned, there are no Gods on a Tourney server when you join - you have exactly the same chance as anyone else to be the winner. What it depends on is your strategy and using your smarts to get ahead.

The game won't go forever either. It has a definite beginning and an end, so we can be very sure of who the winner is, no ifs or buts!

Different tourneys can have different rules. Some are crazy. Some are just to be different. But I am setting out to make GemDust quite different from Central, if it's what you are used to you might get a surprise.

About GemDust...

Firstly, the atmosphere. People aren't likely to stand around and chat. In fact, many of the chat areas have been removed. Feel free to chat if you do want to, but don't be surprised if the others are more interested in the business of playing.

Helping each other? Not likely! You can certainly ask, and there is no reason you can't help others, but it's a bit silly. If I help you, you might beat me. So, it's every man (dwarf, troll) for themselves. Reveal any secrets you like (but again, it's a dumb thing to do.)

Unlike Central, I have no strict rules on speech in there, but if you advertise, or if you set out to be a jerk, see you later. I expect people to behave like adults and respect each other, and beyond that, it's your server, say what you like. And if you don't, you might get to know what I am really like. :twisted:

Try stuff... just because you can't do it twice a day on Central, doesn't mean I set things the same on GemDust. And now, I'll leave you to find out the rest =)

[ThantosFive]

Just wanted to clarify and double check the Tourney rules.

Purple Server is a DK speed race right?

And if in the event of a tie, I win right? err umm

DK + highest level(or exp points) = winner


..or something along those lines? Trying to knock out any misunderstandings before the Game begins

[SaucyWench]

Purple will be a Speed tourney, yes.

The winner will be the highest DK, followed by the highest level, then if it gets to that, by gold. Realistically, if it's that close, I can do two prizes ;)

[Sabu]

I suppose you will set everyone back to a farmperson level 1. Am I correct?

[SaucyWench]

No, at the end, I won't touch the characters. There will probably be a MOTD giving players notice before I do it, but eventually (September-ish?) I'll just delete the database entirely. By the time we get to that, it will be long over, and the other tourneys will be running.

[Furion]

Oh really? Now I'm really confused. So what good are the points in the prize if they are deleted from the database?

[SaucyWench]

The points are for spending on *future* tourneys.

[Sabu]

Saucy,
I guess I need to elaborate on my question.
When we start the tournament, does everyone start at level 1 farmie?
Thanks,
Sabu.

[Furion]

No, everyone starts from the level they have achieved in the preview period (1-15). Good question, though. I think that's a fair reward to the people who sign up earliest. You're getting there, Sabu; you were level 6 when I dropped out, so you must be ~ level 11 right now?.... Best of luck to everyone.

[Fionnabhair]

Even though you get to start before July 15, *on* July 15, no matter when you started, you get a free "New Day" button that works until you get your first DK, so you can catch up. Check here (http://lotgd.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1249) for more information on the game settings.

[SaucyWench]

Thank you, yes =)
The server is open and ready to go. Nothing happens to your character on July 15, and the only things that change on the server on July 15 is that the dragon will reappear as normal (she is currently blocked) and that Farmies have an all-you-can-eat New Day button.

It's not 100%-foolproof-fair for all. Those who got in early can sit there and earn a few extra gems, for example. But this was the only way I could make sure that everyone had a chance to get in, sign up, before the day. If I had only opened the door on the 15th, I am sure half the players would forget to join, and then give up, thinking they had no chance.

I'll certainly be asking for and welcoming feedback on how the system works.

[Sneakabout]

I myself would be tempted to wipe gems on the first Dragonkill....

[Fionnabhair]

<gasp>

But really, how many gems is that going to be, anyway? It probably doesn't matter much either way.

[Sneakabout]

Aye, but it's easy enough to do, and just adds to the... err... levelness.

[SaucyWench]

Perhaps I'll think about it for the next server :twisted:

[BLOODDRAGON]

Perhaps I'll think about it for the next server :twisted:

Heres a thought, have one tourney like the one you have now then have another one thats Uber Insanely Crazy Difficult (aka. Really Really Hard) for the more adventures players and such. :twisted:

[SaucyWench]

I'm actually pondering a "lots and lots of forest specials" server at some point. There are a lot of modules on DragonPrime that we have never used on Central.

[Sir Quady]

Sweet! So good! I'm glad i found this before it started! But when will the time be up, like for the whole tournament. Will it last a month or what?

Oh, and how about a tourney where the goal is to get the most experience? They you could just shut off all DKs and the dragon.