STAR Championship IV, 08 December 2018, Shropshire

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The results

STAR IV Results.PNG

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Thanks to all coaches for making it a great day

Particular congratulations to Barney who took the win, the only coach to win all 4 games and in the most competitive field we've ever had at STAR.

Award winners as follows:

Champion: Barneythelurker (Dwarf)
2nd place: Podfrey (Dark Elf)
Stunty Cup: Burgomaester (Goblin)
Most TDs: Shared between: Podfrey (Dark Elf), AndyDavo (Chaos Pact), Burgomaester (Goblin)
Most cas: AndyDavo (Chaos Pact)
Spoon: Nealsmith100 (Dark Elf)

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I’d be really interested in some feedback on the day. 4 things in particular:

1. It seemed a little frantic? Perhaps because I ended up playing as well as organising but there could be other reasons. If I wasn’t playing I’d be better able to monitor time keeping. Another option would be to extend each round by 10 mins to 2 hours, pushing back the end time for the tourney from 18.30 to 19.10.

2. The first STAR was on a Sunday. It was then switched to a Saturday because there aren’t many trains on a Sunday and this was preventing some coaches from attending. Did anyone take the train as part of getting to STAR? If not I might switch it back to a Sunday as that would better suit coaches who work on a Saturday of which there are at least a few.

3. Although the pizzas arrived on time I’m not sure they were a great success. I’ll probably move the tourney to earlier in the year when the café opposite (in the YHA) is open which gives everyone a lunch and proper coffee option.

4. Prizes for the tournament. Do people prefer miniatures or trophies?

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Hope to see you all back in Shropshire for STAR V!

[Podfrey]

Thanks for a great day! There are plenty of tournament packs that introduce something different, but I always find myself agonising over the "least worst" option from them. Here I was agonising over the plethora of choice! That said, I didn't even think of some of the deadly combos I came across..... BLODGING MULTIBLOCK Assassin, BLOCK, CLAW, Mighty Blow, TENTACLES Minotaur (kills your players on the edge of the cage then stops the ball carrier getting away), BLODGING, Sidestepping, TACKLE, MIGHTY BLOW Blitzer (!) or a team of 4x GUARD and 4x MIGHTY BLOW plus 2x STAND FIRM Trollslayers.....

Every game was tougher than normal (probably that's why it scares the top players from coming.... hehehehehe)

Onto your points:
1) Games expand to match the time available. I'd say keep the pressure on and stick to 18:30 finish. If it runs over a little that's fine, but a 19:10 finish running over starts creeping on a bit
2) FireOlli and I came by car. I can't speak for Olli, but Saturday is better for me as it's less of a "family" day than Sunday. And it means that getting home late doesn't matter for work on Monday
3) I brought my own food, but the pizzas didn't look great TBH. There are multiple other food options (e.g. Costco or Subway or supermarket platters of sandwiches)
4) I prefer trophies over minis, but that's because I have all the minis I want

Deffo back for STAR V!!! It was great. Cheers

[cornish]

Happy with the schedule Jim and it wasn’t frenetic to me. Think it was just because you were playing but as always you did a grand job. I just think we could have called a couple of games - as hard as that is. It’s less of an issue if there are three games still to finish but when there is just the one left and the whole room is standing around I think it needs to be called; not least of the game result is pretty decided or it isn’t a top table clash (I.e. if coaches aren’t undefeated). It’s less of an issue in the morning because you can play into lunch.

My pizza was decent. Fully loaded so no qualms with that.

We drove (with Dan). Don’t mind the day really but it was nice to have a lie in after a long drive.

I have all the minis but I prefer minis. But a trophy just for the winner (but the NAF shield kinda does that). You are very (too?) generous with your gifts.

And my own little comment is to think about a tiered ruleset. It doesn’t seem right that some races with cheap players can go all 11 skills (Dwarves felt a little dirty and I was playing them - not that it mattered as the 4 Mb did sweet FA in game 1 and 4). So maybe reduce the TV for the higher tiers or cap the overall skill number (6skills team or even max of 2 of the same skill)? Also although we didn’t see one this year, a MV, sure footed, Sprint gutter runner should be ban hammered!

We’ll done. Good fun as always so will always try my best to be there and supporting.

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We’ll done. Good fun as always so will always try my best to be there and supporting.

Thanks Chris and, although I think I forgot to say so on the day, many thanks to you and Dan (Landrover) for assisting with the data entry.

[Barney the Lurker]

Many thanks for running it, was very fortunate to win with such a strong field.

for the points you raised:
1) agree with Geoff, people generally play to the time allotted. I think the main issue was you playing & not being able to keep as close an eye on things. Maybe worth suggesting people use clocks or timers if they think they are going to struggle, there are plenty of free ones.
2) I got the train to Stoke and then got a lift with Dan this year. There were delays on the way back, so if it was a sunday I could have had big issues getting back.
3) the pizza's were not great, but fine and did the job. I personally preferred the first STAR we went to, but the weather was lovely and it was a nice place to just walk around on lunch. Obviously the calendar is pretty full nowadays and needs to be at a point that is good for you.
4) Speaking emotionally, it would have been nice to have a little trophy. But rationally, I'll get much more use out of the team!! On the whole I think more goodies is always nice!

Thanks again for running, will definitely try and defend my title

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Speaking emotionally, it would have been nice to have a little trophy. But rationally, I'll get much more use out of the team!! On the whole I think more goodies is always nice!

Barney, I will get hold of one of the little NAF Trophies for you. Will get it to you at the UKTC if not before.

[Barney the Lurker]

Speaking emotionally, it would have been nice to have a little trophy. But rationally, I'll get much more use out of the team!! On the whole I think more goodies is always nice!

Barney, I will get hold of one of the little NAF Trophies for you. Will get it to you at the UKTC if not before.

Thanks Jim, that would be ace. Was wondering if there was a shield. UKTC is fine, catch you then.


Just re-reading my reply again, I sound quite harsh. Really was a fun day and I had not quibbles on the food or timings.

I really like the ruleset too, gives you lots to think about!

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Podfrey, Barney and Cornish, many thanks for the feedback, a few things to ponder for next year.

Also, results are now on the NAF database

[Barney the Lurker]

Also, results are now on the NAF database

Woo, Mission 150 complete Now on to Vampires

[Maverick]

Jim, really love the rule set, who knew a Tents, Block, Claw mino would engender such animosity and hate

Great against dwarves not so much against Dark elves

Thanks to all my oppos and will definitely be back next year already working on another monstrosity to cause a few disapproving looks from Landrover

[Barney the Lurker]

Jim, really love the rule set, who knew a Tents, Block, Claw mino would engender such animosity and hate

I think that was my fav STAR of the weekend

[20phoenix]

Jim, really love the rule set, who knew a Tents, Block, Claw mino would engender such animosity and hate

Great against dwarves not so much against Dark elves

Thanks to all my oppos and will definitely be back next year already working on another monstrosity to cause a few disapproving looks from Landrover

I'd have been more surprised if someone had taken chaos and NOT taken that