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Thursday, November 13, 2014

Underworld Cup - The Rule of Matie Reveiw



Oh man, what a weekend.  “The Rule of Matie” was a wonderful two day, five round tournament hosted by Flyingdingle (and Mrs. Flyingdingle) and run by Flyingdingle and Falcon.  The weekend began with some school yard style team picking.  Those lead by Valdric were given their flannels and the team lead by Rowdy Katie sported their team brassieres.

By the end of round one, team flannel was starting out with a substantial lead.  By the end of round three they had more points than team Rowdy would tally all weekend.  The team competition was set but the individual honors were up in the air until the very end.  The weekend and tournament was won by Krannix and his chaos team.  Second place went to DarkOrk20 and his norse.  The chaos dwarfs lead by Beaux.  The remainder of the results can be found here.

An extremely interesting rule set made for many different styles of builds.  Next year the story will advance and we’re all looking forward to it.

The next tournament coming up is Jingle Bowl.  Make sure to check it out.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Underworld Cup - The Rule of Matie Preview

What do you get when you have a "giant two-headed transvestite Ettin" answering a call to rid the underworld of a 'roided up dwarf?  An epic battle culminating in death by jimmy kick and a celebratory Blood Bowl tournament!

The Underworld Cup 2014 is a two-day, five round event (with an unusual build and rule set) that is the longest running BB tournament in the US... I think.  The rules, information, and fluff for this awesome event can be found here

The 1.05 initial build and progressive team build up make for a plethora of race and roster choices.  Many, many hours of time have been wasted in pursuit of the perfect build.   Competitive, scoring based, casualty based, zany, dirty; a build can be made for any style of play you want.  Personally, I've built every race in all of those styles and still don't know for sure what I'm bringing for sure.  I've tried to base my past builds for competitive or casualty styles in the past yet nothing turns out how I imagine it will.  So for this tournament I've decided to... what have I decided?.. nothing... we'll see in a few days.

There are 24 playable teams in a NAF sanctioned tournament  I numbered them randomly 1-24.  I'll let fate decide which race I'll play.  This should be fun!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

A Chaotic Time!

Chaos Cup 2014 is in the books!  This year's tournament broke the North American attendance record with 94 coaches.  Six games of Blood Bowl action was capped off with an epic defensive battle for the championship.  The eventual victor, bringing the Chaos Cup back to the US, was Ute coach by the name of Grither.  Coach Grither lead his Hulks of Hazard Chaos Dwarf team to the victory!  CONGRATULATIONS!

The KUBBL was represented by two coaches Randroid and Furry.  Coach Randroid brought home the spoon and some very nice prizes.  He coached a playful Ogre roster by the name of the Bulltimore Bullies which had three ogres and featured a chainsaw and a bombardier.  Coach Furry came home empty handed, leading his Dwarfs of Anarchy to a 2-2-2 record.

The Chaos Cup Committee put on an absolutely wonderful event.  A huge thank you goes out to them as such a large event ran so smoothly.  The lead of the committee was handed over to Rowdy Katie by Zlurpcast main guy, JP, prior to game one.  JP served as the team lead in the "Who's the father of Chaos (Chaz)?" era and we all appreciate his efforts and time.

Next years event should be even bigger!  Let's pack the place.

Again Congrats to Grither (Bryan Tew) on his Chaos Cup victory!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Chaos Week



Are you ready?  Is your team painted?  Is your roster made?  Do you have a place to stay?  Do you know when you’re leaving?  Have you been working out just in-case you win that massive trophy?  Chaos Cup is mere days away!  The excitement is building toward a crescendo that will be released in Palatine, Illinois this weekend.  The Chaos Cup is the US Major Blood Bowl tournament and there is a chance it breaks the century mark this year, just 18 needed at the door.

There are many side events to keep the fun going as well.  There’s Friday night bowling for those who applied.  The Chaotic Brush events will also be going on through out the weekend.  One of the side events people will be paying attention to is the Podcast Challenge.  Sigmund Lamar is feeling slighted by the Podcast big boys and is willing to resort to potty-talk to voice his displeasure.  Hey Siggy, save the vitriol for Hoke.

An outstanding weekend of Chaotic Blood Bowl action will be had by all.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Are You Ready for Chaos Cup 2014?

I know most, if not all, of the people who skim this blog have already registered for Chaos Cup but I just wanted to send out a reminder.

Chaos Cup is the Blood Bowl Major for the United States tournament scene.  The tournament will be held at the Holiday Inn Express in Palatine, Illinois.  For more information on the tournament check out the links in this post.

The KUBBL has had multiple representatives at Chaos Cups in the past.  Or best showing was coach Beaux finished 14th in 2011.  This year it appears only two players from KUBBL will be going and one player is taking a tier three build so it's unlikely that 14th will be topped.  This year's event is already attracting a lot of players.  Sixty-plus players have already registered and a 100 coach tournament may be within reach.

All of the specifics are on the site so go there.  See you in September!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Zlurpee Bowl X - Wrap Up

Zlurpee Bowl X just ended a day ago and already thoughts and preparations are going in to Zlurpee Bowl XI.  That's quite a testament to how great an event it is to attend and play in.  I separate the two because there is so much going on outside of the event.

Friday, before the tournment, began with an un-birthday party for the beloved tournament star player, Zlurpus.  Tournament organizer, Xtreme hosted the party along with wife Jennyafur at their home.  Coach DarkOrk20 welcomed guest in his own way by offering all attendees, of legal drinking age, a shot of tequila in a commemorative shot glass for them to keep.  Many welcomes were expressed and games played.  A cake was even made for Zlurpus.  Zlurpus was unceremoniously re-killed? at his own party and failed his regen flip as performed by Xtreme.  Yet some how that undead fellow showed up at the next days game to represent on the Blood Bowl pitch.  Those stars have some great resiliency.

Saturday morning brought with it the excitement of games to come and our Kalamadoom boys, KUBBLers, started of very well.  All three of the coaches went through day 1 towards the top of the charts.  Coach Furry actually had the best day one going 3-0-1 and being in a tie for second when Saturday came to a close.  Saturday night brought some more gaming.  Coach Randroid joined others at Xtreme's house for a rousing game of DEADZONE by Mantic Games.  Coach Beaux learned and played some Eclipse.

Sunday was day two of the event which saw two of the Kalamadoom boys rise and one descend.   Coach Beaux got all the way up to a tie for second place in the tournament.  Randroid tied for 15th and Furry tied for 17th.  Those were places determined by final points, they're not representative of how our coaches actually place as far as awards go.  The final round of Zlurpee Bowl has "Grudge Match for players other than the top four, so points are fully indicative of what happened.

On the ride home we were treated to a special disc produced by Siggyllama of his new Blood Bowl podcast and some extras.  Very talented.  Some of the song lyrics that stood out to us were from "Apoth My Dice" which did cause us to ponder, how do snakes bite with their eyes?

All and all it was a wonderful event!  Thank you's go out to Xtreme and all those who made it possible.

Randroid

Beaux (sans bandana?)

Furry

Big Congrats goes out to Ombi for winning ZBX!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Zlurpee Bowl X


The tenth edition of one of the best Blood Bowl tournaments is taking place July 11 and 12 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.  Zlurpee Bowl is the brain child of Xtreme who has been playing in Blood Bowl tournaments since 2003 according to his NAF record.  Zlurpee Bowl has its own website here.  It's chalk full of all kinds of information about the tournament and we highly suggest you check it out.

Welcome Banner


This tournament is especially important to us because of what it has done.  Because ZB exist the Zlurpcast exist, and that podcast helped people become more aware of tournament play for the game we all enjoy.  The tournament scene in the Midwest is especially robust because of this.  Fifty plus of this years participants hail from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio.  But it's not a strictly regional event, there will be players from Canada, Florida, Oklahoma, California, Missouri, New York, Utah and Nebraska.  (Hmm, I notice an Iowa sized gap in there.)

Three members of the KUBBL will be traveling to this event.  Granted we haven't played a season of league play in quite some time but the three of us will be, Kalamadoom.  Coach Beaux will be leading a Lizardman squad onto the pitch, coach Randroid will be playing a Necromantic team and coach Furry will be bringing Dwarfs.  After this weekend check out Drinkin' and Modelin', Furry's Painting Blog and here for recaps and rundowns of the tournament action.

The cool thing about this and any Blood Bowl tournament is the people.  Not only do we get six fun rounds of Blood Bowl action, we also spend multiple hours playing other great games with all the other players.  There will be board games, card games, miniature games, and even a little Roshambo.

So a huge thanks goes out to Xtreme and all those who are helping him put on this awesome event!  Only three more days!

Monday, May 12, 2014

HeadBangers Ball IV is in the Books!

As you may have read KUBBL had two coaches representing the league at HBBIV.  Coach Randroid showed up with his Ogres and coach Furry played Dark Elves.  In our last post we asked for help in picking which race to take for Furry.  No one helped.  So, the tournament organizer, Zlurpcast Main Guy, and 103.9 The Fox afternoon DJ, JP, suggested he take dark elves.  That suggestion was taken.

HBBIV was an absolute blast and both of our coaches took something home.  Randroid finished with a record of 0-0-3, yes he tied all three of his games.  His powerful Ogres won the War Pig Award as the tournament team that caused the most casualties.  He also qualified as the Iron Man award (best defense) but opted instead for the prize that covets brutality.  Furry finished with a record of 2-1-0 and was the winner of the Flying High Again Award (most TD's).

The tournament was held at Draxtar Games in Batavia, Illinois.  They were awesome host and do quite a bit for the gaming scene in the area.  The store was hoping with two tournaments going on a one or two other games being played.

The next tournament that some of our coaches are attending will be Zlurpee Bowl X.  This is a wonderful two day tournament that features all sorts of between match action for the players.  If you haven't signed up yet... you're too late.  Seating was limited and this is one of, if not, the most beloved BB tournament in the Mid West, so it goes fast.

Also dont forget registration for Chaos Cup 2014 opens July 1st.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Let the Games Begin!

We are "One" day away from the "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" that is HeadBanger's Ball IV!  The Blood Bowl pitches are located just inside the "Cemetery Gates" "South of Heaven."  You have to get past the "Keeper of the Seven Keys" by repeating "The Oath" and being "Bonded by Blood."  If you get it wrong, you'd better "Run to the Hills" or the "Children of the Grave" will leave you with a "Hammer Smashed Face."  It is you "For Whom the Bell Tolls" as you move "Into the Void."  The "Angel of Death" will "Pull the Plug" on "A Fine Day to Die." 

But if you're right, you've found a "Rainbow in the Dark."  You'll be "The Trooper" who gets to "Seek and Destroy" others on the pitch.  You'll use "Black Metal" to create your "Symphony of Destruction" causing "Holy Wars" in "Heaven and Hell."  Exploiting your opponent's "Fear of the Dark" you make them "Paranoid" of the "Creeping Death" "Raining Blood" down on them in the "Witching Hour." "Evil", "Am I Evil?"  No, but your "Cowboys from Hell" and "Chapel of Ghouls" will cause your opponents to be "Blinded by Fear."  Making way for the "War Pigs" and "The Exorcist" to cause their players to spend the rest of their "Seasons in the Abyss."

When the day is done, you will be the "Master of Puppets."  You'll "Walk" "Over the Mountain."  To witness, first hand, your opponents "Screaming for Vengeance" But they will be the "Last in Line."

"Hallowed Be Thy Name"

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

What to take? You decide.

As you know a few intrepid KUBBL coaches will be heading the HeadBanger Ball IV in Batavia, IL on May 10.  The event is growing near and I for one don't know what team to play.  I've narrowed the field down to two teams.  I have played both of them in other editions of this tournament with different builds but I can't pick.

Past HBB Performance
The two teams that I am considering are Harvester of Sorrow (dark elf - Metallica themed) and Leaper Messiahs (slann - Metallica themed).  (Do I like Metallica?  Maybe.)  I took the Sorrow to the first HBB.  They performed admirably going 2-1-1 and winning the Flying High Again award.  The Messiahs were brought to HBB II.  They also went 2-1-1 but appeared on the top table match with Xtreme's fabled Da 40 Miners (their heavy metal squad); the Messiahs got squashed.  Even though they didn't take home the Flying High Again award they did score one more TD than the Sorrow had the year before.

Uniforms
Each team is sporting a different color scheme than when they played in their respective HBB's before.  The new brown and copper scheme that the Harvester of Sorrow is now sporting has only seen the pitch for practice.  The new scheme for the frogs has seen the pitch twice since in tournaments and is sporting a much less than impressive record of 2-8-2.

Pros and Cons
These are two of my favorite teams to play.  I love the mobility of the Slann but they are quite squishy.  I love the agility four catchers but the strength two armor seven make them fly off the pitch.  Their lack of standard starting skills tends to be a detriment too.  Block and dodge may be "boring" but those skills are necessary in the game  The skill money is used just to make them tournament playable.  I tend to favor defensive builds over offensive because the mobility makes scoring the easier of the two.  The leap aspect often confuses opposing coaches, of course most just smash the catchers and take care of that.

The dark elf team, like all elf teams, has the wonderful stat of 4 agility across the board.   The players are more expensive to hire, as they should be, leaving less room for re-rolls and no room for reserves.  The special Iron Maiden inducement helps but it cant help with casualties.  Again the skill build for the team can favor defense because the AG 4 does most of the ball handling.

Another thing to consider is the tournament scoring.  Bonus points are awarded per touchdown and per casualty causes by a block.   Neither of these teams will cause many casualties and they both can score but the Slann are able to score easier.

I don't know who to take so I'm asking for your help.  Let me know what you think in the comment section. I'll go with the team that is picked the most and do a recap of their performance after the tournament.   Thank you.

*** A few people read this but no one answered.  A non-reader suggested DE so that's it.***

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

For Those About to Rock...

Oh man, it has been a while.  The KUBBL has been on an extremely long hiatus and it looks like that will continue for at least the foreseeable future; however I think we are progressing a bit.  Some of our coaches are starting to get the Blood Bowl bug once more. 

Three of us will be traveling to HeadBangers Ball IV, this year being played at Draxtar Games in Batavia, Illinois.  This is obviously the fourth installment of this heavy metal themed tournament run by Zlurpcast Main Guy, Jonny P.  The tournament features special weather and kick-off table as well as a special appearance by the Guitar Hero.  Special rules for the event can be found here.  This is only a club show and therefore has Sold Out. 

Oh you forgot to get your tickets?  You’re out of luck! 

One thing this intimate venue will have, that all great shows have, is some killer mosh pits!  Watch out for the Guitar Hero’s supply of super shredding axes.  It’s not uncommon to see and BC Rich Warlock smashing some hippy elf skull.  Along with the flying guitars, we should see plenty of kicks, elbows, and bottles.  And if it’s too loud you’re too old!


Hopefully this tournament can light a fire under us KUBBL guys and get the league going again.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

More Tourney Time!

With Dog Bowl II one week away let's look at some more records.

This time we look at Touchdowns.

Total:
Delevus 26
Flyingdingle 22
Falcon 21

Most TD's in a Tournament:
Flyingdingle 12 @ Special "K" Cup II
Delevus 11 @  Special "K" Cup I
Falcon 11 @ Special "K" Cup I
Flyingdingle 11 @ Dog Bowl I

Most TD's in a Match
Siggyllama 7 @ Special "K" Cup II
Flyingdingle 7 @ Dog Bowl I
Delevus 5 @ Special "K" Cup I
Flyingdingle 5 @ Special "K" Cup II
Falcon 5 @ Special "K" Cup II

Watch for Casualties later this week.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Tourney Time!

Dog Bowl II is just over a week away!  There has been a lack of Blood Bowl action for the KUBBL lately so having a tournament to tide us over should wet some pallets for this game.  This will be the fourth tournament we will be hosting in Kalamazoo.  The first two were Special "K" Cups and now the Dog Bowl has taken over as our tournament so that it can coincide with the Marmalade Dog.  The Marmalade Dog is a gaming convention put on by the West Michigan Gamers Guild.

Let's look back on the past three tournaments to get some statics and records for Kalamazoo Ultimate Blood Bowl League tournaments.

Winners:
Special "K" Cup I:  Beaux
Special "K" Cup II:  Delevus
Dog Bowl I:  RowdyKatie

Runners Up:
Special "K" Cup I:  Falcon
Special "K" Cup II:  Flyingdingle
Dog Bowl I:  Delevus

Most Touchdowns:
Special "K" Cup I:  Delevus
Special "K" Cup II:  Falcon
Dog Bowl I:  Flyingdingle

Most Casualties:
Special "K" Cup I:  Randroid
Special "K" Cup II:  DarkOrk20
Dog Bowl I:  DarkOrk20

Wooden Bowl/Hind Dog (last place):
Special "K" Cup I:  Richlelieu
Special "K" Cup II:  Valdric
Dog Bowl I:  Valdric

We have yet to have a back-to-back champion or a repeater.  We'll see if Rowdykatie can follow-up last years dwarf roll or if Beaux or Delevus can step it up again.

We're looking forward to Dog Bowl II!  Get out here!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Dog Bowl II - Coming Up

The Dog Bowl II presented by KUBBL

Where:  WMU Bernhard Center http://marmaladedog.org/maps.php

When: February 8th, 2014

Cost:   $10 is the entrance fee for the convention, there is no fee for the tournament!
            http://marmaladedog.org/placeandtime.php

Registration:  9:00am Michigan

Things to Bring:
Your Painted Team
2 copies of your team’s roster
Blood Bowl Board, dugouts, and templates – if you have them.
Copy of the LRB 6.0/C.R.P. (Available to download from GamesWorkshop Site)
The three new races (Chaos Pact, Slann, and Underworld) are allowed

Tournament Rules:
4 Games of Swiss Pairing, first round is randomly paired

Build Rules, Underdog teams have been given special treatment.  Everyone knows that certain breeds are just inherently better so favor is being shown to the lesser breeds:
 
Level 1:  $1,000,000 to build a team of at least 11 players.  Four single roll skills and one double roll skill may be given. No player can be given more than one skill.
Level 2:  $1,100,000 to build a team of at least 11 players.  Six single roll skills and two double roll skills may be given. No player can be given more than one skill.
Level 3:  $1,200,000 to build a team of at least 11 players.  Eight single roll skills and four double roll skills may be given. No player can be given more than two skills.

Level 1 Teams:  Undead, Necromantic, Dwarf, Chaos Dwarf, Wood Elf, Dark Elf, High Elf, Pro Elf, Norse, Amazon, Orc, Skaven, Lizardmen, Chaos
Level 2 Teams:  Human, Khemri, Vampire, Slann, Chaos Pact, Underworld, Nurgle
Level 3 Teams:  Halfling, Ogre, Goblin, all other stunty teams

Weather decided by top table - 7 on the kick-off table becomes:

Marmalade Dog - The Marmalade Dog runs onto the pitch.  Each coach rolls a d6 plus fame, the team with the highest score calls the Marmalade Dog to attack the opponents, roll a d6 for EACH player on the opposing team.  On a 6, that player falls.  Roll on the player’s armor with the Claw modifier.  If the armor breaks roll on the injury table.  These casualties count!  If a 1 is rolled for any player, the dog is distracted by a Big Moot Sandwich in the crowd and ends the event. On a 2, 3, 4, and 5 nothing happens

Apothecaries work on a 3+ and will result in the player remaining on the pitch in the stunned position.  Apothecaries cannot be used on Star Players

Tournament will be a resurrection style tournament. So any injuries your team suffers will not
carry over to the next game, and any SPPs earned will also be erased.

Final rankings will be based on total tournament points.  Tie breakers will be decided by the TO.

No skills can be given to Star Players

Stunty Bonus: All stunty teams get an agility boost in addition to their tv.  The boost can be given to any player.  Stunty teams are Ogres, Goblins, Halflings, Underworld without Skaven, and Lizardmen without Saurus. 

Allowed Inducements:
Bloodweiser Babes
Bribes
Extra Team Training
Igors
Master Chef
Star Players (from C.R.P.)
Wandering Apothecaries

Inducements NOT allowed:
Wizards
Special Play Cards
Mercenaries
Journeymen

Scoring:
Tournament points
Win = 60 pts
Tie = 30 pts
Loss = 10 pts

Bonuses
Kept it close (lost by 1): 2pts
1 more CAS then the opponent: 2 pts
2 more CAS then the opponent: 5pts
Won by 2 or more TDs: 2pts
Won by 3 or more TDs: 5pts
The Murder Mitten:  All Casualties Count, if you cause the armor/injury roll your team gets the credit for the casualty. 


Additional Rules:


Painting:
Paint your team. No bonus points, no penalties, just do it.

Sportsmanship:
Be a good sport. No bonus points, no penalties, just do it.

NAF:
This is a NAF tournament. If you’re not a NAF member, bring $10 for a membership and dice.

Awards:
Best in Show (First Place)
Second Place
Junkyard Dog (most casualties)
Greyhound (most TD’s)

Hind Dog